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he  Poems  of  Thomas 
Third  Lord  Fairfax 

From  MS.  Fairfax  40 


In  the  Bodleian  Library,  Oxford 


BY 


EDWARD  BLISS  REED 


PUBLISHED  UNDER  THE  AUSPICES  OF 


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TRANSACTIONS  OF  THE 


CONNECTICUT  ACADEMY  OF  ARTS  AND  SCIENCE 


Incorporated  A.  D.  1799 


VOLUME  14,  PAGES  237-290 


JULY,  1909 


The  Poems  of  Thomas 
Third  Lord  Fairfax 

From  MS.  Fairfax  40 

In  the  Bodleian  Library,  Oxford 


BY 


EDWARD  BLISS  REED 


PUBLISHED  UNDER  THE  AUSPICES  OF 


YALH  UNIVERSITY 


NEW  HAVEN,  CONNECTICUT 
1909 


WEIMAR:    PRINTP:D  P.Y  R.WAGNER  SOHN 


IV. — The  Poems  of  Thomas  Third  Lord  Fairfax. 
(From  the  Bodleian  MS.  Fairfax  40 ;  formerly  MS.  Add.  A.  120.) 

In  the  annals  of  England  the  name  of  Thomas,  third  Lord  Fair- 
fax, is  deservedly  illustrious.  As  a  general,  he  was  an  intrepid 
fighter  and  a  skilful  commander;  in  his  private  life,  a  man  of 
scholarly  tastes,  happy  in  his  country  estates,  which  he  preferred 
to  the  court.  Policy  and  self-advancement  were  far  from  his  thoughts, 
despite  his  great  opportunities  for  aggrandizement ;  and  the  simplic- 
ity of  his  character,  at  which  his  enemies  sneered,  was  but  a  proof 
of  his  sincerit}'.  To  sketch  his  life  in  detail  is  unnecessary,  yet  his 
poems  will  gain  significance  if,  in  the  briefest  manner,  we  review 
his  interesting  career. 

The  son  of  Fernandino,  second  Lord  Fairfax,  and  Mary,  daughter 
of  Lord  Sheffield,  he  was  born  at  Denton,  Yorkshire,  in  1612,  of 
a  family  long  distinguished  for  its  soldierly  qualities,  hi  1620  his 
grand-father,  Thomas,  first  Lord  Fairfax,  then  a  man  of  sixt}',  joined, 
with  two  of  his  sons,  the  single  regiment  sent  by  James  I  to  the 
support  of  the  Elector  of  the  Palatinate.  He  was  obliged  to  return 
to  England  to  take  part  in  the  Parliamentary  elections,  Init  his  two 
sons  died  at  Frankenthal  at  the  head  of  their  troops.  Fernandino 
did  not  make  this  campaign,  and  his  father  spoke  of  him  as  a 
"  tolerable  country  justice,  but  a  mere  coward  at  fighting  "  ^ ;  yet 
Fernandino  took  the  field  against  Charles  I,  and  certainly  did  not 
deserve  this  taunt. 

The  early  years  of  our  poet  were  spent  in  Yorkshire,  and  he  un- 
doubtedly enjoyed  in  his  first  studies  the  guidance  of  his  great 
uncle,  BMward  Fairfax,  the  translator  of  Tasso.  In  1626  he  entered 
St.  John's  College,  Cambridge,  where  he  remained  four  years,  and 
then,  following  the  family  traditions,  he  went  to  the  Low  Countries, 
to  serve  under  Lord  Vere  against  the  Spaniards.  Another  young 
volunteer  in  the  same  camp  was  Turenne.  After  witnessing  the 
capture  of  Bois-le-Duc,  he  traveled  and  studied  in  France  for  eighteen 
months,  returned  to  England  in  1632,  and  requested  permission  to 
volunteer  under  Gustavus  Adolphus,  Ijut  liis  faniil\-  opposed  it,  antl 
he  retired  to  the  Yorkshire  estates  to  live  the  life  of  a  country  gentlc- 


*  A  Life  of  the  Grrat  /.,•!,/  l-\i;if,i\.  li\    ( 'l(jiiieiit:s  J{.  Marklmm,  London. 
1870,  p.  12 


240  E.  B.  Reed, 

man.  In  1637  he  married  the  daughter  of  his  commander,  Anne 
Vere,  a  woman  of  energy  and  courage,  who  followed  her  husband 
to  the  field,  shared  his  dangers  (she  was  once  taken  prisoner  by 
the  Royalists)  and,  in  no  small  measure,  determined  his  career.^ 

hi  the  two  brief  and  inglorious  Scottish  compaigns,  Fairfax  joined 
the  King's  army,  but  when  in  1642  Charles  came  to  Yorkshire  to 
seize  the  supplies  at  Hull,  and  raise  troops  against  Parliament,  the 
Yorkshire  gentry  who  opposed  the  King  looked  to  Fairfax  for  leader- 
ship. He  was  entrusted  with  a  formal  protest  against  the  King's 
actions,  and,  despite  repulses,  succeeded  in  laying  this  document 
on  the  royal  saddle  at  Heyworth  Moor,  where  Charles  was  endeavo- 
ring to  win  over  the  gentry  of  the  shire.  Fairfax  thus  showed 
the  world  on  which  side  he  would  be  found,  and  in  the  Yorkshire 
campaign  that  followed,  he  fought  with  the  greatest  courage.  Un- 
daunted by  defeat,  fearing  no  odds,  on  at  least  one  occasion  he 
attacked  a  force  that  outnumbered  his  own  by  four  to  one.  When 
surrounded,  he  cut  his  wa}'  through  the  enemy.  At  Marston  Moor 
he  found  himself  carried  by  the  tide  of  battle  into  the  thick  of  the 
enemy's  ranks.  Taking  from  his  hat  the  white  badge  worn  by  the 
Parliamentary  forces,  he  calmly  rode  through  the  ranks  of  the  Roy- 
alists, regained  his  troops,  and  led  another  attack.^  So  fearless  was 
he  that  on  several  occasions  he  narrowly  escaped  death.  In  1644 
a  musket-ball  pierced  his  shoulder,  another  broke  his  arm.  Hardly 
recovered  from  these  wounds,  he  was  again  struck  at  the  siege  of 
Pomfret  Castle.  His  skill  as  a  leader,  his  bravery  in  action,  had 
attracted  the  attention  of  all  England,  and  in  1645,  when  but  thirty- 
three  years  of  age,  he  was  made  Commander-in-chief  of  the  Par- 
liamentary forces,  having  as  his  first  task  the  organization  of  the 
New  Model  army.  While  in  the  popular  opinion  it  was  Cromwell 
who  was  "  the  leading  spirit  of  the  war,"  to  quote  Sir  Clements 
Markham,  the  biographer  of  Fairfax,  "  it  was  Fairfax  who  organized 
the  new  army  without  the  smallest  assistance  from  Cromwell.  It 
was  Fairfax  whose  genius  won  the  fight  at  Naseby,  and  whose 
consummate  generalship  concluded  the  war,  and  restored  peace. 
Cromwell  was  his  very  efficient  general  of  horse,  but  nothing  more : 
and  indeed  he  was  generally  employed  on  detached  duties  of  se- 
condary importance."  ^  At  Naseby,  Fairfax  was  conspicuous  for  his 
daring;  at  the  surrender  of  Oxford,   he  placed  a  guard  about  the 


1  Ibid.,  p.  108. 
*  Ibid.,  p.  171. 
'  Ibid.,  Preface,  p.  iv. 


The  Poems  of  Lord  Fairfax.  241 

Bodleian    and    saved    it    from    destruction,    as    he    had    spared    the 
minster  at  the  siege  of  York.^ 

With  Charles  hopelessly  defeated,  Fairfax  was  miwilling  to  depose 
him,  wishing  the  King  to  rule,  with  the  constitution  safeguarded 
from  encroachments  of  the  crown.  He  hotly  resented  the  seizure 
of  Charles  by  Joyce,  and  through  his  insistance  Charles  was  allowed 
to  see  his  friends,  and  above  all,  his  children— a  favor  for  which 
he  repeatedly  thanked  Fairfax.^  In  the  political  intrigues  which 
preceded  the  execution  of  Charles,  Fairfax  took  no  part ;  but  when 
the  Royalists  made  a  last  stand,  he  laid  siege  to  Colchester,  cap- 
tured the  town,  and  crushed  the  insurrection.  It  was  at  this  time 
that  Milton  addressed  to  him  his  noble  sonnet: 

Fairfax,  whose  name  in  arms  through  Europe  rings, 

Filling  each  mouth  with  envy  or  with  praise, 

And  all  her  jealous  monarchs  with  amaze. 

And  rumours  loud  that  daunt  remotest  kings, 

Thy  firm,  unshaken  virtue  ever  brings 

Victory  home,  though  new  rebellions  raise 

Their  Hydra  heads,  and  the  false  North  displays 

Her  broken  league  to  imp  their  serpent  wings. 

O  yet  a  nobler  task  awaits  thy  hand 

(For  what  can  war  but  endless  war  still  breed?) 

Till  truth  and  right  from  violence  be  freed, 

And  public  faith  cleared  from  the  shameful  brand 

Of  public  fraud.     In  vain  doth  Valour  bleed, 

While  Avarice  and  Rapine  share  the  land. 

Though  appointed  one  of  the  Commissioners  to  try  the  King, 
Fairfax  refused  to  be  present  at  the  trial,  and  opposed  it  in  vain. 
Surely  there  are  few  more  dramatic  moments  in  history  than  when 
Lady  Fairfax  rose  in  the  gallery  of  Westminster  Hall  to  protest 
against  the  trial,  and  to  defend  her  husband's  name.  Indeed,  so 
well  known  was  Fairfax's  opposition  to  the  execution  of  the  King 
that  Cromwell   accused  the  general  of  planning  to  rescue  Charles. 

In  1650  Lord  Fairfax  resigned  his  command,  and  returned  to  his 
estates  at  Nunappleton.  On  the  death  of  Cromwell  he  decided 
that  there  would  be  anarchy  unless  Charles  II  returned  and  ruled. 
Lambert,  with  a  disciplined  army  of  ten  thousand  men,  was  on  the 


'  Ibiif.^.21\.     Fairfax  bequeathed  to  the  Bodleian  28  manuscripts.    See 
\V.  D.  Macray  :   Annals  of  tlir  Bodleian  Library,    Oxford. 
«  Ibid.  pp.  290,  21 IH. 


242  E.  B.  Rccd, 

field  to  oppose  Monck,  who,  with  an  army  of  seven  thousand,  was 
on  the  point  of  declaring  for  Charles.  Though  ill  and  suffering 
intensely,  Fairfax  sent  word  to  Monck  that  he  would  take  the  field 
in  support  of  Charles.  When  he  appeared,  Lambert's  troops  deser- 
ted and  flocked  to  their  old  commander,  and  thus,  without  a  shot 
being  fired,  the  Restoration  was  accomplished.  It  was  fitting  that 
Lord  Fairfax  should  head  the  commission  sent  by  Parliament  to 
the  Hague  to  invite  Charles  to  return.  No  honors  were  conferred 
on  him  by  the  Merry  Monarch — he  sought  none— and  he  retired 
to  Yorkshire,  where  he  died  November  12,  1671,  three  years  be- 
fore the  death  of  Milton. 

It  is  not  surprising  that  the  letters  of  Fairfax,  and  his  two  Short 
Memorials  of  the  War,  should  have  been  published,  but  it  is  strange 
indeed  that  a  manuscript  of  656  pages  of  verse,  all  in  his  own  hand- 
writing, should  never  have  been  carefully  examined.  This  manuscript 
passed  from  the  possession  of  the  Fairfax  family,  and  was  owned 
successively  by  Ralph  Thoresby,  the  Duke  of  Sussex,  and  Dr.  Bliss 
of  Oxford,  from  whose  collection  the  Bodleian  library,  its  present 
owner,  purchased  it  in  1858.  Archbishop  Cotton,  in  his  Editions  of  the 
Bible  and  Parts  thereof  in  English  from  the  year  MD  V  to  MDCCCL, 
Preface  to  the  second  edition,  1852,  gave  a  table  of  contents  of 
the  manuscript,  then  in  the  possession  of  Dr.  Bliss,  and  reprinted 
one  of  the  paraphrases  of  the  Psalms.  Sir  Clements  Markham,  in 
his  Life  of  Fairfax,  already  cited,  went  further;  for  in  the  text  of 
his  work  he  reprinted  three  of  Fairfax's  poems, ^  and  in  an  appen- 
dix gave  ten  more,  wholly  or  in  part,  but  as  a  historian,  interested 
in  the  political,  and  not  the  literary  life  of  the  times,  he  made  no 
study  of  the  manuscript.  Since  Markham,  I  can  not  find  that  any 
one   has  examined  these  poems  or  published  them. 

We  have  no  means  of  dating  the  poems,  with  the  exception  of 
the  followhig : 

Upon  the  New-built  House  at  Apleton  (1650),  To  the  Lady  Cary 
upon  her  Verses  on  my  dcarc  Wife  (1665),  On  the  Fatal  Day  (1649), 
Upon   the  Horse  which   his   Majestie  Rode  upon  att  his  Coronation 

1  Life  of  Fairfax,  p.  352  :  On  the  Fatal  Day,  Jan.  30,  1648  ;  p.  365,  Upon 
the  New-built  House  at  Apleton  :  p.  384,  Upon  the  Horse  -which  his  Majestie 
Rode  tipon  Att  his  Coronation.  Appendix  A,  pp.  415—427  contains  the  follow- 
ing :  Preface  to  the  Psalms,  Honny  dropps  (excerpts),  The  Solitude.^  The 
Christian  Warfare  (excerpts),  Life  and  Death  Compared  together.^  Shortness  of 
Life,  Of  Beauty.^  Upon  a  Patch  Face.,  Upon  an  ill  Htisband,  and  two  of  the 
Vulgar  Proverbs. 


The  Poems  of  Lord  Fairfax.  243 

(1660).^  As  these  poems  are  written  down  in  this  order,  it  will  be 
seen  that  their  position  gives  no  clue  to  the  time  of  their  compo- 
sition, indeed,  the  very  last  poem  in  the  manuscript  is  an  eclogue, 
Hermes  and  Lycaon,  by  Edward  Fairfax,  who  died  in  1635.-  If  we 
refer  Fairfax's  translations  from  "  good  old  Mantuan  "  to  his  student 
days,  the  poems  certainly  cover  a  period  of  forty  years. 

A  perusal  of  the  manuscript  shows  us  at  once  that  Fairfax  is  not  a 
poet,  but  rather  a  man  of  poetic  tastes,  an  admirer  of  verse.  We  have, 
then,  no  discovery  of  a  neglected  genius,  and  there  will  be  no  call 
for  the  Complete  Works  of  Thomas  Fairfax.  It  will  occasion  no 
surprise,  therefore,  that  we  have  omitted  a  considerable  amount  of 
his  poetry.^  It  will  readily  be  seen  that  the  chief  defect  in  these 
poems  is  their  poor  technique.  Fairfax  had  very  little  sense  of 
rh3thm ;  at  times  his  ear  seems  absolutely  untrained,  and,  though  a 
multitude  of  corrections  in  the  manuscript  show  how  hard  he  strugg- 
led to  improve  his  lines,  yet  his  revisions  are  generally  as  awkward 
as  his  first  rude  draft.  Few  of  his  poems  have  any  metrical  charm, 
and  when  in  his  Honey  Drops  or  Vulgar  Proverbs  he  seeks  to 
become  epigrammatical,  he  lacks  both  point  and  finish.  His  best 
writing  is  seen  in  such  a  poem  as  David's  Lamentation,  or  in  the 
straightforward  couplets  of  the  Christian  Warfare;  however,  it  is 
not  for  his  skill  as  a  writer  that  Fairfax  deserves  attention,  l)ut  for 
certain  conclusions  that  may  be  drawn  from  the  subject-matter  of 
his  lines. 

Fairfax  divided  his  poetry  into  religious  and  secular  verse,  the 
former  occup3'ing  551  pages  out  of  650,  388  of  these  being  devoted 
to  a  metrical  paraphrase  of  the  Psalms.  From  the  da3's  of  Wyatt 
and  Surre\'  in  England  and  Clement  Marot  in  France,  to  "  trans- 
late "  the  Psalms,  or  indeed  to  turn  any  part  of  the  Scriptures  into 
verse,  was  a  pastime  indulged  in  alike  b}^  the  devout  and  by  the  pro- 
fligate. A  complete  list  of  English  writers  who  from  1500  to  1700 
made  metrical  versions  of  an}-  portion  of  the  Bible  has  never  been 
compiled.  It  would  be  a  surprisingly  large  one,  and,  though  Fairfax 
was  a  devout  man,  he  was  following  a  literary  fashion  as  well  as 
his   own  inclination  in  his  paraphrase  which  offers  so  little  that  is 


^  The  Epitaph  on  A.  V.  dieing  Yoimge  might  be  diited.  were  Ave  sure 
that  V.  stands  for  Vere. 

*  As  Markhani  |)nl)li.she(l  this  in  Miscellanies  of  Die  Philohiblon  Society, 
vol.   12,  18B8-9,   I    liave  not  reprinted  it. 

^  See  tal)le  of  contents  of  the  ]\IS.  on  page  249.  \\\\\\  ili(>  exception  of 
the  Psalms,  1  have  a  royy  of  (he  whole  ]\IS.  It  i.-^  ;it  the  disposal  of 
any  one  interested  in  it. 


24-i  E.  B.  Reed, 

interesting  that  I  have  reprinted  but  four  Psalms,  enough  to 
show  his  method.^  In  his  hymns  we  notice  most  of  all  that  he 
writes  in  an  impersonal  style,  for  we  have  in  them  no  picture  of 
his  own  mind,  no  account  of  his  spiritual  conflicts,  his  doubts,  his 
defeats,  or  his  victories.  Religious  verse  is  valuable  in  proportion 
as  it  shows  us  the  soul  of  a  man,  and  this  is  precisely  what  Fair- 
fax does  not  attempt  to  do. 

This  same  lack  of  the  personal  element  in  his  writing  is  a  marked 
defect  of  the  secular  verse  also,  for  he  gives  us  practically  nothing 
of  his  own  life,  even  in  remote  allusion.  When  we  consider  the 
great  scenes  he  had  witnessed,  the  part  he  had  played  in  shaping 
the  destinies  of  England,  it  is  rather  surprising  that  he  should  choose 
to  write  on  Envy,  Temperance,  Anger.  Surely  he  might  have  written 
with  more  spirit  on  Liberty,  Tyranny,  or  Valor.  He  collects  many 
popular  proverbs,  but  he  does  not  jot  down  the  song  of  his  soldiers. 
For  a  fighting  man,  how  faint  and  unrealistic  are  such  lines : 

As  men  besieged  with  mines  about 
Ready  to  spring  and  ruing  \sic\  all, 
Hearing  the  alarm  beat,  runne  out 
To  th'  assault  and  gard  ther  wall. 
And  by  the  blast  in  ruins  sinke 
Vanquist  are  when  they  least  thinke.^ 

And  yet  they  are  quite  unusual,  so  rarely  does  he  refer  to  the 
shock  of  battle.  As  Fairfax  does  not  tell  us  what  he  has  felt,  so 
he  has  little  desire  to  write  down  what  he  has  seen.  Apart  from 
all  considerations  of  the  immeasurable  distance  that  separates 
Andrew  Marvell's  work  from  that  of  Fairfax,  it  is  yet  surprising 
that  Marvell  should  describe  Appleton  House  and  the  estates  so 
fully,  and  that  Fairfax,  who  delighted  in  them,  should  give  us  but 
a  few  faint  lines  on  the  new-built  house.  Similarly  we  should 
expect  the  sympathetic  picture  of  the  last  moments  of  Charles  to 

*  Markham,  in  liis  Life  of  Fairfax^  p.  369,  mentions  another  copy  of 
Fairfax's  version  of  the  Psalms,  owned  by  Mr.  Cartwright  of  Aynho. 
I  have  not  attempted  to  trace  this.  At  the  end  of  the  MS.  of  the 
Short  Memorial.^  at  Leeds  Castle,  are  versions  of  the  18th,  24tli,  30th, 
and  85th  Psalms.  He  prefaces  Psalm  18  with  the  following  :  '  That  I 
chuse  this  18  Psalm  let  none  think  that  I  arrogate  anything  to  myself, 
for  farre  be  it  from  me  to  applie  it  otherwise  than  as  David's  triumph 
over  his  enemies.'     See  Markham's  Fairfax.^  p.  415. 

*  A  Hymne  to   Christ  the  Messiah. 


The  Poems  of  Lord  Fairfax.  245 

come  from  the  pen  of  the  general  rather  than  from  the  tutor  of 
his  daughter.^ 

To  observe  for  one's  self,  to  describe  one's  feelings,  demands  a 
certain  amount  of  originality,  and  this  is  precisely  what  Fairfax 
lacked.  The  greater  part  of  his  religious  verse  was  paraphrase, 
and  we  naturally  look  for  translation  in  his  secular  poems.  Pages 
602-10  of  the  manuscript  are  taken,  he  tells  us,  from  the  French,  the 
Italian,  the  Latin.  With  the  exception  of  the  Mazarinades,  all  these 
translations  are  directed  against  Rome,  showing  his  strong  Puritan 
sympathies.  It  is  interesting  to  notice  that  when  he  translates 
Petrarch  he  does  not  choose  the  sonnets  to  Laura,  but  The  Char- 
acter of  the  Romish  Church}  Petrarchism,  brought  in  by  Wyatt 
and  Surrey  a  century  before,  had  spent  its  force,  and  the  lyrics  of 
Philip  Ay  res,  1687,  fill  the  last  book  that  shows  the  old  sway  of 
the  founder  of  the  modern  lyric.^  As  confirmation  of  Fairfax's  lack 
of  skill  in  writing,  it  is  noticeable  that  he  is  unable  to  reproduce 
the  sonnet  form,  and  turns  the  quatorzains  into  poems  of  twelve 
lines. 

Eight  pages  of  translation,  however,  constitute  but  a  small  part 
of  his  secular  verse.  As  we  read  it,  we  are  impressed  by  the  con- 
trasts it  shows,  contrasts  that  can  not  be  explained  by  assuming 
that  certain  poems  are  separated  by  long  intervals  of  time.  Lady 
Carey  had  written  to  Fairfax  a  metrical  epistle  on  the  death  of  his 
wife,  and  he  felt  called  upon  to  answer  it.  Knowing  his  devotion 
to  Lady  Fairfax,  we  expect  him  to  rise  above  himself  under  the 
inspiration  of  his  grief,  but  his  thought  is  so  trivial,  and  so  feebly 
exi)ressed,  that  To  the  Lady  Cary  Upon  her  Verses  on  my  deare 
Wife  is  one  of  the  poorest  poems.  A  few  lines  will  show  this  more 
plainly  than  any  comment : 

Madam 

Could  I  a  Tribute  of  my  thanks  express 
As  you  have  done  in  love  and  purer  verse, 
On  my  best  selfe  then  I  might  Justly  raise 
Your  Elogy  t'  Encomiums  of  your  Prayse 
And  soe  forgett  the  Subject  that  did  move 
Me  to  a  thankfulness  as  't  did  you  to  love. 
O  "twere  to  great  a  Crime  but  pray  allow 


*  See   Marvell's  Iloratian    Ode  upon    Cromwell's  Kituiii  from   Jreland. 

*  Sonnets,  De   V'an'o  Argtcmento,  Nos,   M   and   J<j. 

"•  Lyric  Poems^  made  in  Imitation  of  the  Jtulians^  London^   1G87. 


246  E.  B.  Rccd, 

Wher  I  fall  short  but  you  have  reached  to, 

Making  that  Good  wisest  of  Kings  hath  said, 

Th'  Living's  not  soe  Prayse-worthy  then  [sic]  the  dead. 

A  few  pages  further  on,  we  come  to  a  more  formal  elegy  on 
Henry  of  Navarre. 

Ah  is  itt  then  Great  Henry  soe  fam'd 
For  taming  men,  himself  by  death  is  tam'd ! 
Whatt  eye  his  glory  saw,  now  his  sad  doome, 
But  must  desolve  in  Teares,  sigh  out  his  Soule, 
Soe  small  a  shred  of  Earth  should  him  intombe 
Whos  acts  deserv'd  pocession  of  the  whole. 

Though  this  poem  has  its  defects,  it  is,  on  the  whole,  a  better 
piece  of  writing  than  the  elegy  on  Lady  Fairfax.  This  consideration, 
together  with  the  fact  that  Henry  of  Navarre  was  assassinated  two 
years  before  Fairfax  was  born,  and  that  there  seems  to  be  no  special 
reason  why  he  should  lament  his  death,  makes  one  suspect  that 
the  lines  are  a  translation  from  the  French.  Such  is  the  case,  for 
I  find  that  the  poem  is  taken  word  for  word  from  an  elegy  by  Anne 
de  Rohan  which  Fairfax  read  at  the  end  of  Agrippa  d'Aubigne's 
tiistoire  Universelle,  published  1626,  for  dAubigne  does  not  quote 
the  whole  poem,  and  Fairfax  translates  only  as  much  as  he  gives.^ 
With  this  hint  I  have  looked  in  the  French  literature  of  the  period 
for  the  originals  of  the  other  poems.  On  a  Fountain  is  a  trans- 
lation of  an  epigram  of  Malherbe  that  was  a  favorite  one,^  to  judge 
from  its  appearance  in  a  French  anthology  {Les  Dclices  de  la  Poe'sie 
Frangaise,  1615),  while  Fairfax's  best  poem,  the  one  that  gives  the 
manuscript  its  title,  is  a  translation  of  Saint-Amant's  La  Solitude. 
Other  sources  I  have  not  found,  but  I  feel  convinced  that  man}'  of 
the  poems  are  translations,  as  for  example,  Of  a  Faire  Wife,  to 
Coregio,  which  is  probably  taken  from  the  Italian.  Others  better  read 
in  Continental  literature  of  the  period  may  discover  his  models.^ 

We  are  now  in  a  position  to  see  the  significance  of  these  poems. 
They  are  not  fine  examples  of  English  verse ;  they  are  rather  to 
be  regarded  as  documents  that  show  us  what  an  English  gentleman 


*  Ilutoire  Universelle  par  Agrippa  d'Aubigne  (Paris,  1879),  Vol.  9,  pp. 
472-75. 

-  See  Oenvres  completes  de  Malherbe  (Paris,  18(32),  Vol.  1,  p.  225. 

•■'  Mr.  Lewis  C.  Everard,  Yale  Phi  Beta  Kappa  Pellow,  1908—1909,  has 
searched  in  the  Bibliotheque  Rationale,  Paris,  for  other  Prench  originals, 
but  Avitliout  I'esults. 


The  Poems  of  Lord  Fairfax.  247 

of  the  Caroline  and  Commonwealth  period  read  and  thought.  They 
are  like  an  old  diary  in  which  a  great  man  has  jotted  down  a  hst 
of  the  books  he  owns,  or  of  poems  he  has  memorized :  they  are 
like  a  package  of  old  letters,  in  which  the  writer  teUs  us  of  his 
favorite  authors  and  his  literary  tastes.  It  is  to  be  observed  that 
this  moralist,  who  mentions  but  one  English  writer— his  great-uncle — 
turns  to  French  literature.  La  Solitude  is  certainly  not  only  Saint- 
Amant's  best  piece  of  work,  but  one  of  the  finest  French  poems 
of  the  period,  and  the  evident  admiration  of  Fairfax  for  it  speaks 
well  for  his  taste.  Though  Saint-Amant  had  twice  visited  London 
and  was  possibly  known  there  as  a  poet,  only  two  other  unimpor- 
tant translations  of  his  verse  have  been  noticed  in  EngHsh  literature.^ 
It  is  worthy  of  mention  that  Saint-Amant  himself  had  some  very 
pronounced  opinions  concerning  Fairfax,  who  probably  never  read 
the  Frenchman's  Epigramme  Endiable'e  sur  Fairfax?- 

There  is  another  interesting  point  concerning  La  Solitude.  It  is 
well  known  that  in  1650  Andrew  Marvell  came  to  Appleton  House 
as  a  tutor  for  Mary  Fairfax.  He  had  already  written  verse,  but  it 
had  not  been  nature-poetry;  his  grotesque  Flecnoe  and  his  absurd 
verses  Upon  the  Death  of  Lord  Hastings  have  nothing  of  the  meadow 


*  See  A.  H.  Upham,  The  Frmch  Influence  in  English  Literature  from  the 
Accession  of  Elizabeth  to  the  Restoration,  New  York,  1908,  pp.  345,  405,  409, 
412  It  is  interesting  to  read  Saint-Amant's  brief  reference  to  Ben  Jonson 
in  his  L' Albion. 

^  Je  crois  qu"il  doit  bien  estre  en  peine, 

L'execrable  tyran  qui  preside  aux  enfers, 
Qnand,  dans  les  feux  et  dans  les  fers, 
11  songe  ail  noir  object  des  foudres  de  ma  liaine; 
Son  vieux  sceptre  enfume  tremble  en  sa  liere  main: 
II  redonte  Fairfax,  ce  prodige  inliumain; 

II  craint  que  ce  monstre  n'aspire 
Au  degre  le  phis   liaut  de  son  horrible  (^mpire, 
Le  degre  le  plus  bant  est  celuy  le  ])lus  l)as, 

C'est  on  ce  prince  des  sabats, 
Des  endroits  les  plus  clairs  aux  endroits  les  plus  soinbres, 

Tomba  pour  regner  sur  les  ombres ; 
C'est  la,  dis-je,  qu'il  craint  que  ])ar  (iuelque  attentat. 

Que  par  quelque  moyen  oblique, 
Fairfax  n'aille  du  moins  renverser  son  estat 

Pour  en  faire  uue  repu])lique. 
Et  voila  les  raisons  qui  Tout  fait  hcsiter 
Jusqu'a  cette  lieuie  a  I'emporter. 
Octivres   Completes  de  Saint-Amant  (Paris,   1H55),  vol.    1,   y.   \~cl. 


248  E.  B.  Reed, 

in  them.  During  the  two  years  he  spent  at  the  home  of  Fairfax, 
Marvell  wrote  those  nature-poems  that  determined  his  fame — Upon 
the  Hill  and  Grove  at  Billboroiv,  Upon  Applcton  House,  On  a  Drop 
of  Deiv,  The  Garden — poems  that  show  an  observation,  an  appreca- 
tion  of  the  earth,  of  flowers,  birds  and  trees  unsurpassed  in  all 
the  works  of  his  predecessors  in  English  poetry,  not  excepting  the 
very  greatest,  Chaucer,  Spenser,  and  Shakespeare.  That  these  poems 
were  inspired  not  only  by  the  beauty  of  Nunappleton,  but  by  its 
owner's  love  and  appreciation  of  poetry,  there  can  be  little  doubt. 
We  may  go  even  further,  and  see  in  Marvell's  nature-poems  some 
hints  from  Saint- Amant.  Marvell's  verse  is  richer  and  deeper; 
where  Saint-Amant  is  vague  in  his  descriptions  or  conventional  in 
his  thought,  Marvell  is  concrete  and  original ;  for  it  is  the  Englishman, 
and  not  the  Frenchman,  who  uses  le  tnot  precis,  and  yet  Saint- 
Amant's  theme — to  lose  one's  self  in  Nature — is  the  theme  of  The 
Garden  and  of  the  finest  lines  in  Appleton  House. 

We  see  now  the  significance  of  the  poems  of  Fairfax.  They 
throw  light  on  the  character  of  a  great  Englishman ;  they  remind 
us  that  the  literary  influence  of  la  ville  lumiere  was  still  powerful 
in  England,  that  it  had  not  died  with  the  sonneteers ;  and  they 
give  us  the  atmosphere  in  which  Andrew  Marvell  lived  and  wrote 
the  tenderest,  the  sincerest,  the  deepest  nature-poetry  of  the  seven- 
teenth century. 

Yale  College,  Edward  Bliss  Keed. 

February  19,  1909. 


249 


TABLE  OF  C0:NTP]KTS  OF  MS.  FAIRFAX  40. 

The  poems  marked  t  are  reprinted  here.  Those  marked  *  are 
given  only  in  part.  The  poems  are  printed  as  tlie}'  stand  in  the 
MS.  with  no  changes  in  the  punctuation  or  spelhng. 


250  E.  B.  Reed, 


[Title]         The  Imployment  of  my  Solitude.     T.  F.     p.  i. 

J  The  Preface  to  the  Psalmes.     p.  ii. 

*  Psalms  1  to  150,  m  verse,     pp.  1—388.     [p.  389  is  blank.] 
Songs  of  the  Old  and  New  Testament,     pp.  390-479. 

*  Moses  Songe.     Exodus  15.     p.  390. 
Moses  Songe.     Deut.  32.     p.  396. 

The  Songe  of  Deborah.    Judges  5.     p.  406. 

Hannah's  Songe.     1  Sam.  2.     p.  415. 
f        Dauids  Lamentation  for  Saule  &  Jonathan.     2  Sam.   1.     p.  418. 
y        Hezekiah's  Songe.     Isaiah  38.     p.  422. 

The  Songe  of  Mary  the  Blessed  Virgin.     Luke  1.     p.  427. 

Zachariah's  Songe.     Luke  1.     jd.  429, 
f        Simeon's  Songe.     p.  431. 

*  The  Songe  of  Salomon.      Chapter  1.   p.  432.      Chapt  2.  p.  435. 

Chapt  3.   p.  438.      Chapt  4.   p.  440.      Chapt  5.    p.  444. 

Chapt  6.   p.  448.      Chapt  7.    p.  451.      Chapt  8.    p.  454. 
Out  of  the  Prouerbs  of  Salomon,     p.  458. 
Wisdom's  Antiquity,     pp.  471-475. 
Out  of  the  Prouerbs  of  Salomon,     p.  473  ^  473 '^. 

[These  two   pages  were  formerly  pasted  together.     They  are  a 

repetition  of  pp.  458  and  459.  with  two  lines  of  460.] 
Samuel's  Instruction  from  his  Mother.     Prouerbs  32.     p.  476. 

*  Honny  dropps.     p.  480. 

Hymnes  to  the  Soueraine  God.     p.  510. 

A  Hymne  to  Christ  the  Mesiah.     p.  519. 

A  Hymne  to  the  Holy  Ghost,     p.  539. 
-{-  A  Songe  of  Prayse.     p.  549— 551  ^ 

[Title]  The  Recreations  of  my  Solitude  T.  F.     p.  551''. 

f  The  Solitude,     p.  552. 
f  Of  a  Faire  Wife  to  Coregio.     p.  564. 
f  Of  Beauty,     p.  568. 
J  Upon  a  Patch  Face.     p.  570. 

Upon  a  Younge  Virago,     p.  571. 
f  Upon  an  ill  Husband,     p.  571. 
f  Of  Envy.     p.  572. 
f  Of  Anger,     p.  574. 
f  Of  Virtue,     p.  577. 

Of  Patience  and  Temperance,     p.  579. 


MS.  Fair/ax  40.  251 

f  Nature  and  Fortune,     p.  582. 

f  The  Christian  Warfare,     p.  583. 

f  Life  and  Death  compared  together,     p.  590. 

f  Upon  a  Fountaine.     p.  592. 

t  Upon  the  New-built  House  at  Apleton.     p.  593. 

t  Shortness  of  Life.     p.  594. 

t  Epitaph  on  A.  V.  dieng  Younge.     p.  595. 

t  The  Lady  Caryes  Elogy  on  my  deare  Wife.     p.  596. 

t  To  the  Lady  Gary  Upon   her  Verses  on  my  deare  Wife.     p.  598. 

t  On  the  Fatal  Day,  Jan.  30th,  1648.     p.  600. 

t  Of  Impartial  Fate.     p.  601. 

Epitaph  sur  le  Mort  du  Cardinal  Mazarin.     Ejoiodium.     p.  602. 
t  A  Carracter   of  the  Romish  Church    by  Francisco  Petrarca,    Laura 
Can.  106.     p.  604. 
Pontanus  writes  this  Epitaph  on  Lucretia  daughter  of  Alexander  6. 

p.  606. 
Baptista  Mantua  reproving  the  wicked  Life  ofSixtus  4  maketh  the 

Divel  give  him  this  Entertainement  in  Hell.     p.  607. 
Mantua  Eclogae  5.     p.  608. 
Palengenus  A  Papist  thus    discribes   the   monstrous  Corruptions  of 

the  Romaine  Clargie.     p.  609. 
Upon  Mr.  Stanley's  Booke  of  Philosophers  supposing  itt  the  Worke 
of  his  Tutor  W.  Fa.     p.  611. 
t  Upon  the  Horse  w^i^  his  Ma*^'^.     Rode  upon  att  his  Coronation  1660. 

p.  612. 
*  Vulgar  Proverbs,     p.  613. 

t  The  teares  of  France  for  the  deplorable  death  of  Henry  4  surnamed 
the  Great,     p.  641. 
An  Egloge   maide  by   my  uncle  Mr.  Ed.  Fairfax  in  a  Dialoge  bet- 
wixt two  Sheapards  Hermes  and  Lycaon.     p.  647. 


252  E.  B.  Reed, 


[p.  ii]  The  Preface  to  the  Psalmes. 

Vaine  Fancy  whether  now  darst  thou  aspire 

W'^  smoky  Coales  to  hght  the  holy  Fire 

Could  thou  indeed  as  w'^  the  Phenix  burne 

In  perfum'd  flames  &  into  Ashes  turne 

Thou  might'st  hope  (vaine  hope)  yet  once  againe 

To  rise  w'*^  purer  notions  in  thy  Braine 

But  t'would  nott  serue  for  they  would  still  be  darke 

Till  from  thyn  Alter  Lord  I  take  a  sparke 

I  need  not  then  assend  up  any  higher 

In  offring  this  to  fetch  another  fire 

Inspired  thus  may  on  my  Muse  distill 

Dewes  nott  from  Parnass  but  Herman's  sweet  Hill. 


[p.  1]  Psal  1 

Blest  is  the  man  in  walking  daly  shuns 
Pernitious  Councel  that  from  th'  wicked  Comes 
Nor  to  the  sinners  paths  his  steps  doth  bend 
Or  he  yitt  up  to  Scorners  chaire  assend 
Who  in  the  early  morne  &  euening  laite 
On  lawes  deuine  makes  choyse  to  meditate 
As  by  the  runing  streames  the  well  sett  tree 
His  fruit  in  season  yeild,  the  iust  shall  be 
Whos  leafe  shall  neuer  fade  &  what  he  doth 
Shall  thriue  as  itt  &  shal  be  fruitfull  both 
But  w''^  the  wicked  itt  is  diffrent  farre 
As  chaff  tost  in  the  Ayre,  So  they  are 
Nor  shall  he  stand  fore  th'  impartial  Judge 
Or  mongst  the  iust  who  in  sins  way  doe  trudge 


[p.  38]  Psal  19 

The  heauens  Lord  the  siluer  studed  frame 
They  are  the  Cvirious  works  thy  hands  declare 
Time  vnto  time  itt  doth  recount  the  same 
To  places  most  remote,  ther  voyce  it  heares 
Ore  all  the  earth  ther  arched  Sphers  extends 
The  Tun  on's  throne  ther  rises  ther  desends 


MS.  Fair/ax  40.  253 

As  cherfull  brid-grome  in  his  nuptial  state 

Or  actiue  men  to  race  w^h  ioy  Come  out 

From  East  to  West  so  runs  he  at  that  raite 

Till  his  cirquitt  rownd  he'as  gone  about 

All  parts  euen  to  the  wide  Earths  extreames 

Both  light  &  heat  takes  from  his  radent  beames 

[p.  39]     Thy  law  o  Lord  to  soules  perfection  giues 

They  that  are  simple  b}^  thy  words  made  wise 
They  shall  reio3-ce  who  in  th}'  precepts  hues 
Thy  Statutes  pure  inlighten's  the  blind  eyes 
To  feare  the  Lord  will  vs  preserue  for  euer 
Whos  iudgments  true  &  rightious  altogether 

More  sweete  then  honny  yea  or  gold  refin'd 
Thy  seruants  setts  them  att  a  hier  prise 
They  great  rewards  in  keeping  them  do  find 
But  6  alas  who  ist  his  errors  spies 
My  faults  vnseene  6  let  ther  none  remaine 
From  bold-fac'd  sins  thy  seruant  Lord  restraie 

[p.  40]     O  let  not  sin  w*h  it's  tyranick  might 
Ere  gitt  a  iuri[s]diction  ouer  mee 
So  in  my  soule  shall  I  then  be  vpright 
And  from  the  great  transgression  guiltless  be 
So  shall  my  words  &  thoughts  acceptance  find 
W^^  thee  my  strength  redeemer  of  man-kind 


[p.  49]  Psal  23 

How  can  I  want  the  Lord  m}-  sheapard  seemes 
Who  to  the  verdant  pasturs  leads  me  outt 
By  flowry  bankes  wher  waters  gently  streams 
My  soule  he  doth  refresh  he  sets  my  foot 
In  paths  of  truth  &  eaqual  Justice  Ijoth 
This  only  for  his  owne  name  sake  he  doth 

Al  Though  I  through  death[s]  shady  vale  doe  goe 
No  terrors  ther  shal  makes  me  yitt  aflfraid 
His  rods  my  guide  his  staff  my  strength  also 
Before  myn  foes  my  table  he  doth  spread 
Wth   oyle  my  head  full  cups  my  hart  doth  chere 
Him  in  his  house  for  euer  Tie  serue  ther 
Trans.  Conn.  Acad.,  Vol.  XIV.  17  Jllv,  J'JO'. 


254  E.  B.  Reed, 

[p.  104]  Psal  46 

If  in  distress  °  Lord  thou  'It  giue  me  ayde 
What  need  I  feare  though  rocks  in  seas  be  throwe 
Though  by  ther  rage  the  hills  on  hills  be  layd 
Thou  still  preseruest  thos  that  are  thyn  owne 
In  thes  o're  turnings  shal  noe  fear  cease  them 
For  God  was  ther,  his  help  in  season  Came 

When  furious  rage  procest  the  Heathen  world 
Thou  was  to  vs  as  a  strong  Towre  in  War 
Thou  spake  the  word  &  Earth  on  heaps  was  hurld 
Come  se  then  ther  what  great  vastations  are 

[p.  105]    T'is  he  when  wars  arise  Can  stop  ther  Course 
This  he  ther  weapons  breake  ther  Chariots  lire 
Wait  thou  on  him  know  he's  a  God  of  force 
Did  he  not  rule  the  world  t'  would  soone  expire 
He  mongst  the  Heathens  will  exalted  be 
But  Jacobs  Gods  the  Towre  to  whom  we  flee 


[p.  390]  Songs  of  the  Old  &  New 

Testiment 

Moses  Songe 
Exodus  15 

Vnto  the  Lord  let  pra3'se  be  sung 
Who  gloriously  triumphed  hath 

For  he  into  the  sea  hath  flung 

Both  Horse  &  Rider  in  his  wrath 

The  Lord  my  strength  &  songe  shall  be 

Who  my  sure  saluation 
Mine  &  my  father's  god  is  he 

Soule  be  his  habitation 

[p.  391]         A  man  of  Warr's  the  Lord  renown'd 
His  name  is  by  Jehouah  knowne 
Who  in  the  Sea  hath  Pharoah  drownd 

Downe  Captains  Horse  &  Chariots  throwne 

This  goodly  Traine  w'^'  fury  drunke 
The  wanes  as  Couerings  did  Containe 


MS.  Fairfax  40.  255 

Wher  to  the  bottome  the}'  are  sunke 
As  stones  that  neuer  rise  agame 

Thy  hand  o  Lord  has  done  this  deed 
Glorious  in  Powre  art  thou  become 

Thy  hand  I  say  when  ther  was  need 
Th'  insuhing  Foe  has  ouercome 

[p.  392]         They  that  agalst  thee  did  Combine 

Thy  wrath  has  broke  in  thy  defence 
As  stuble  th'are  before  the  winde 
So  powrefull  is  thyn'  excelence 

Thy  Nosthrills  w''^  a  blast  haue  layde 

The  liquid  Seas  on  sollid  heapes 
The  floating  wanes  ther  w'^   were  stay'd 

As  Ice  Congealed  in  the  depths 

Pursue  o'retake  th'  enimy  said 

Ther  spoyles  let  vs  mongst  vs  deuide 

Whilst  w''i  ther  Swords  they  hauack  made 
And  lust  as  law  to  them  was  guide 

[p.  393]         But  in  a  happy  howre  thou  did 

The  Treasures  of  thy  winde  display 
So  sunk  they  as  the  heauy  lead 
And  vnder  watry-Monntains  lay 

Amongst  the  Gods  who's  like  to  thee 

O  Lord  in  Holiness  &  Prayse 
The  fearfull  wonders  w<=h  ^yg  gee 

Doe  Trophyes  to  thy  Glory  raise 

Thou  stretcht  thy  hand  &  they  were  gone 
The  gapinge  earth  deuourd  them  quite 

To  th'  Holy  mountaine  thou  leddst  on 
The  chosen  Flock  of  thy  delight 

[p.  394]         Nations  hard  this  w'''   pale-fac'd  looks 
And  horred  feare  amazed  stdod 
Edom  Moab  &  Syrian  Dukes 

Ditt  melt  away  w'*^   Canan's  jjroode 

Thy  Glorious  Name  did  soe  apall 

Ther  trimljling  Harts  w'*"   feare  &  dread 

Tliat  as  a  stone  lie  still  they  shall 
Till  those  pass  oner  thou  dost  lead 


256  E.  B.  Reed, 

To  Zions  mount  thou  didst  them  bring 
Didst  plant  them  in  its  firtil  soyle 

The  place  wher  thou  delightst  in 
A  sanctuary  freed  from  toyle 

[p.  395]         Raigne  Lord  for  euer  vn-opposd 

For  Pharoa's  Horse  &  Men  are  drownd 
Him  &  his  force  hath  sea  inclosd 

Whilst  Israel  marches  on  dr}'  grownd 

Miriam  the  Prophetiss  a  Timbrel  takes 
Wher  in  their  Circulinge-dances  round 

The  Virgin-Traine  such  Musick  makes 
As  th'  Hills  about  w'^  Ecchoes  sound 

Then  Miriam  answered  them  &  sunge 
The  Lord  triumphd  in  Glory  hath 

Proud  Pharoah  into  th'  sea  has  flunge 
W*^'^   Horse  &  Rider  in  his  wrath 


[p.  418]  Dauids  Lamentation  for  Saule  &  Jonathan. 

2  Sam  :  1 

Israel  has  lost  her  ornement 

Alas  for  itt  lement 
How  are  her  Mighty,  falne  &  laine 

&  on  Mount  Gibea  slaine 
O  let  itt  nott  in  Gath  be  knowne 
Or  told  in  streets  of  Askelon 

O  lett  nott  Lord  our  ancient  Foes 

Joying  Deride  our  woes 
Least  daughter  of  th'  vncircomcis'd 
Triumph  o're  vs  dispis'd 
[p.  419]  Noe  more  lett  fruitfull  showres  distill 
Or  dewes  on  Gibeas  direfull  Hill 

Nor  e'er  may  any  thither  bringe 

More  a  Heaue-Offringe 
Ther  th'  Mighty  fell,  Saule  lost  his  sheild 

In  this  shamfull  feild 
On  him  regardless  they  did  treade 
As  if  noe  oyle  had  touch'd  his  head 


MS.  Fairfax  40.  257 


Sharp  Arrowes  shott  from  Jonathans  Bow 
Drunk  w'''  the  blood  of  Foe 

Nor  did  Sauls  sword  rebate  a  Jott 

Till  he'ad  his  ^  enimys  smote 
[p.  420]   How  louely-pleasant  are  you  tow 

Death  Could  not  loue  disjoyne  in  you 

Swifter  then  Eagles  W^'^  th'  Ayre  peirce 
Both  stronge  as  lions  feirce 

Israel's  daughters  lement  the  fall 
Of  your  valiant  Saule 

Who  you  in  Purple  &  Scarlet  deckt 

And  did  from  Foes  your  land  protect 

How  pleasant  was  itt  to  behold 
Your  orniments  of  Gold 

Thy  worthys  by  the  sword,  how  are 
They  thus  cutt  off  in  war 

[p.  421]    O  Jonathan  my  harts  delight 

Slaine  in  the  bloody  fight 
Mount  Gil^oa  saw  the  woefuU  day 
Thou  mongst  her  Rockes  ther  wounded  lay 

How  can  I  Deare  Jonathan  express 
For  thee  my  sad  distress 

Noe  Woman's  loue  reach'd  thatt  degree 
As  thou  once  loued  mee 

How  is  the  Mighty  falne,  is  Crusht 

And  Israels  Worthys  rould  in  dust 


[p.  422 1  Hezekiahs-Songe 

Isaiali  38 

In  Cuttinge  off  my  days  I  said 

Must  I  goe  downe  to  deaths  cold  shade 

Youth's  flowre  noe  sooner  Budd  but  Blast 

Be  Cropt  and  to  obliuion  cast 

Mongst  lining  Lcjrd  must  1  noe  more 

Lift  vp  myn  eyes  &  thee  adore 

'   Fairfiix   has  written  over  tliis   line  "  iiis  foes  liad   smote." 


258  E.  B.  Reed, 

Or  longer  in  this  vniuerse 

W'*^  Man-kind  haue  noe  more  Conuerse 

Farwell  then  Suns  chearful  Hght 

Whose  Raj^es  expells  the  shades  of  Night 

[p.  423]   Adeiu  deare  sihier-Horned  Moone 

By  step  &  step  our  time  setts  downe 
Yee  Stars  farwel  that  in  Night  appears 
Runing  in  your  apoynted  Spheres 
Who  from  your  orbs  soe  far  from  hence 
Throwes  downe  on  vs  your  influence 
Stay  when  yovi  will  your  Constant  Course 
For  ouer  death  you  haue  noe  force 
Farwel  my  Friends,  farwel  delight 
Deuided  by  Eternal  Night 
My  flitting  years  how  soon  th'are  spent 
Remoued  as  a  Sythian  Tent 
Here  to  day  to  morrow  dead 

[p.  424]   Cut  off  like  to  a  weauers  thread 

In  morning  when  new  hopes  began 
Er'  euening  pinning  sickness  came 
Yitt  did'st  nott  heare  m}^  sad  groanes 
But  lyon-like  brake  all  my  bones 
O  whatt  a  little  space  is  this 
T'wixt  Being  &  not  Beinge  is 
Euen  from  th'  Eueninge  to  the  Day 
My  wasting  Sperits  faide  away 
As  Crane  or  Swallow  sett  alone 
To  the  6  Lord  I  make  my  mo'ne 
And  as  the  Done  that  trembling  sitts 
When  Hawke  aboue  doth  sores  his  pitch 

[p.  425]   So  faints  my  hart  so  failes  myn  eyes 
hi  seing  such  sad  miseryes 
But  thou  in  Mercy  hast  noe  piere 
O  help  me  in  this  troubled  feare 
What  shall  I  say  but  sure  thus  much 
Thy  Word  &  Truth  keep  perfait  touch 
For  sin  my  soule  shall  all  itts  days 
Walke  softly  in  my  pensiue  wayes 
By  these  things  Lord  doe  Mortals  hue 
New  life  by  these  things  thou  dost  giue 
Lo,  Peace  to  me  dost  thou  restore 
And  Joy  for  Greefe  I  had  before 


MS.  Fairfax  40.  259 


Thou  pluckt  me  from  destrctions  Pitt 
[p.  426]    And  all  my  sins  didst  thou  remitt 

For  who  in  death  can  offrings  bringe 

Or  in  the  Graue  thy  Prayses  singe 

Of  All  to  Shades  beneath  repare 

Does  any  hope  for  Mercy  ther 

The  liuinge  'tis  the  liuinge  They 

Shall  Prayse  thee  as  I  doe  this  day 

Father  to  sonne  relate  shall  this 

How  faithfull  are  thy  Promises 

Since  Lord  thou  hast  prolong'd  my  days 

On  Warbling  Harpe  Tie  giue  thee  prayse 

And  in  thy  Courts  wt^  Holy  Fire 

Of  Zeale  pay  thanks  till  I  expire 


[p.  431]  Simeon's  Songe 

As  thou  hast  said  soe  Lord  pray  I 
In  peace  now  lett  thy  seruant  die 
Sence  my  blest  eyes  haue  scene  i'th  end 
Saluation  from  thy  Throne  desend 
Which  thou  before  earth  frame  was  layd 
To  saue  Man-kind  decreed  had 
A  light  to  guide  the  Gentiles  ways 
Of  Israel's  sones  to  be  the  prayse 


[p.  435]  [The  Songe  of  Salomon] 

Chap  2 

I  am  the  Rose  of  Sharon's  fruitfull  feild 
The  Lilly  W^''  the  hum1)le  vallyes  yeild 
In  midst  of  thornes  as  Lilly  appear's  aboue 
Soe  mongst  the  youthfull  Virgins  is  my  loue 
As  Apple-trees  'mongst  trees  o'th  Forrest  growe 
Amongst  the  sones  of  Men  my  loue  is  soe 
Vnder  whose  shade  is  my  delightfull  seat 
And  to  my  tast  his  fruit  is  pleasant  meat 
Then  to  the  house  of  wines  he  brought  me  in 
Wher  Loue  like  banners  was  a  Couer  in 
Stay  me  w*''  flaggons  w''>  Apples  Comfort  giue 
Who's  sick  of  Loue  may  yitt  haue  hope  to  Hue 


260  E.  B.  Reed, 

Vnder  my  head  his  left  hand  stretched  out 
And  w''^  his  Right  h'  imbraceth  me  about 

[p.  436J   O  Zions  daughters  I  strictly  you  adiure 

By  the  swift  Hynde  &  fearfull  Roe  be  sure 
Noe  stir  by  noyse  you  make  for  to  disease 
Or  wake  my  loue  before  the  time  he  please 
Behold  I  hear  his  Voyce  o're  Hills  &  Downes 
My  loue  Comes  skiping  ouer  Mounts  &  bounds 
Like  th'  Hart  or  nimble  Fawne  &  triping  Roe 
Standing  behind  our  Wall  Behold  him  Loe 
Through  trelest  windows  how  he  looketh  out 
His  Church  w^^  watchfull  care  he  vews  about 
Thus  speaking  to  me  I  my  loue  did  heare 
Arise  my  faire  one  Come  away  my  deare 
Lo  winters  past  w"'  her  stormy  showers 
Th'  Earth  now  shew's  her  various  coulred  flowrs 
Chirping  of  birds  a  signe  the  spring  grows  near 

[p.  437]   We  in  the  land  the  mourning  Turtle  heare 

The  Figg-tree  budding  green  her  Figgs  disclose 
The  tender  Grapes  of  Vines  smell  as  the  Rose 
Arise  my  faire  one  Come  away  my  loue 
Whom  Cliffy  Rocks  doe  hid  Come  out  my  Done 
Shew  me  thy  Face  myn  eares  let  thy  Voyce  meet 
Thy  Countinance  is  Comely,  Voyce  most  Sweet 
Take  th'  Fox  &  little  Foxes  in  thy  Toyles 
That  thus  our  tender  grapes  &  Vinyard  spo3des 
My  deare  is  myne  &  I  am  his  who  'monge 
The  Lillyes  feed  till  shades  of  Night  be  gone 
Turne  my  beloued  turne  like  th'  Roe  that  trips 
Or  nimble  Hinde  that  in  Mount  Bother  skips. 


[p.  480]  Honny  dropps. 

(Under  this  title  Fairfax  has  written 
one  liundred  and  twenty  five  couplets  and  thirty  live  quatrains) 

Why  good  men  haite  all  sin  'tis  understood 
Because  tis  both  gainst  god  and  ther  owne  good 

To  walke  w'*^  god  tis  goodmen's  care  we  see 
But  leaves  the  Care  to  god  w^^  way  't  should  be 


MS.  Fairfax  40.  261 

Noe  safty  w'^  out  god  in  Freindship  were 
Yitt  safe  w'^  enimyes  if  God  be  there 

[p.  482]    A  good  man  questionless  was  never  hee 
Thatt  strives  nott  allways  better  for  to  be 

[p.  483]    Good  Conscience  is  a  name  att  vj^^  Men  tante 
But  betters  a  good  name  then  Conscience  want 

[p.  484]    Whatt  before  men  we  are  affray d  to  doe 

Fore  God  to  thinke  itt  should  affrisfht  us  too 

Many  the  Sacred  ordinances  use 
Making  noe  proffet  of  them — them  abuse 

[p.  486]    When  thou  dost  well  or  any  good  thou  can 

Prayse  nott  thy  worke,  the  worke  will  prayse  the  Man 

[p.  487]    The  soule  by  such  a  Noble  sperit  moves 

Tis  nott  soe  mxuch  where't  lives  as  wher  it  loves 

Sure  best  are  they,  nott  they  who  most  can  talke 
How  Good  God  is,  but  who  most  with  him  walke 

fp.  490]    In  sweetest  Natures  this  will  sure  befall 
None  All  can  like  nor  shall  be  lik't  of  all 

[p.  491]    All  Earthly  things  are  such  as  ther's  noe  doubt 
Worst  Men  may  have  and  best  may  goe  wt^^'outt 
Yett  wanting  them  a  man  may  happy  be 
When  others  w"'   them  have  butt  misery 

[p.  492]    Noe  Time  in  pastime  need  we  Idly  wast 

For  time  will  pass  from  us  in  too  much  hast 

[p.  507]    rth'  Sacred  Arke  Reason  of  State  should  lye 
But  rules  of  sttite  should  nott  Religion  tye 

When  men  w^'^   wine  themselves  like  beasts  abuse 
Not  wine  the  Men  l)ut  the  wine  misuse 

[p.  509]    In  all  thou  undertskes  be  earful  still 

That  none  of  thee  can  speake  deserved  ill 

And  soe  when  that  is  done  thou  needs  not  Care 

For  111  men's  Censure  ('Tis  the  Common  fare) 


262  E.  B.  Reed, 

[p.  549]  A  Songe  of  Prayse 

Earth  prayse  the  Lord  him  Reverence  beare 
As  well  for's  Thunders  that  we  heare 
At  w^'i  poore  Mortals  stand  affraid 

As  four  the  glotious  Maruels  which 
Such  Splendors  doth  the  world  inricli 
They  are  the  workes  his  hands  hath  made 

His  Prouidential  loue  lets  singe 

That  w'l^  a  plentious  flowinge  springe 

Our  barren  soules  hee  watered 

The  East  the  West  tast  of  his  ("are 
Hott  Affrick  nor  the  freezinge  Beare 
From  his  al  seeinge  eye  is  hidd 

[p.  550]         And  wast  nott  he  He  who  did  please 
W'^  seueral  kinds  to  store  the  Seas 
Of  Fish  beyond  account  Nay  more 

Made  Woods  &  Hills  that  Cataile  yeilds 

Gaue  flowry  Pasturs  verdent  feilds 

That  bringe  both  Corne  &  wine  great  store 

But  how  doe  we  his  mercy  wronge 
He  sees  wee  still  in  Sin  grow  stronge 
And  day  by  day  his  patience  moue 

Yet  as  a  Father  ready  is 

To  pardon  faults  he  sees  in  his 

Such  are  the  tokens  of  his  loue 

[p.  551  =']        In  vs  Affections  oh  tis  strange 

Wth   Q^j-  light  humor  suddaine  Change 
As  in  a  moment  they  grew  old 

They  w'*^   the  Wind  are  easely  driuen 
But  his  is  alweyes  firme  &  euen 
And  to  Eternity  doe  hold 


Finis 


MS.  Fairfax  40.  263 


[p.  551  c]  The  Recreations  of  my  Solitude 

T:F 


[p.  552]  THE  SOLITUDE 

O  how  I  loue  these  Solitudes 

And  places  silent  as  the  Night 

Ther  wher  noe  thronging  multituds 

Disturbe  w'^^  noyse  ther  sweet  delight 

O  how  myn  eyes  are  pleas'd  to  see 

Oakes  that  such  spreadinge  branches  beare 

W'^'^  from  old  Time's  netiuity 

And  th'enuy  of  so  many  yeares 

Are  still  greene  beautifull  &  faire 

As  att  the  world's  lirst  day  they  were 

Naught  but  the  highest  twiggs  of  all 
Wher  Zephyrus  doth  wanton  play 
[p.  553 1         Doe  yett  presage  ther  future  fall 
Or  shew  a  signe  of  ther  decay 
Times  past  Fawnes  Satyrs  Demy-Gods 
Hither  retird  to  seeke  for  Aide 
When  Heauen  w'^  Earth  was  soe  att  odds 
As  Jvipiter  in  rage  had  laide 
O're  all  a  Deluge  these  high  woods 
Preseru'd  them  from  the  sweling  floods 

Ther  vnder  a  flowry  Thorne  alonge 
Of  Springs  delightfull  i:)lant  the  Cheife 
Sadd  Philomela's  mournfuU  songe 
Doth  sweetly  entertaine  my  greefe 
And  to  behold  is  noe  less  rare 
jp.  554 1         These  hanging  Rocks  &  Precepies 
W^*^  to  the  wounds  of  sadd  dispare 
Are  soe  propitious  to  giue  ease 
When  soe  oprest  by  cruel  fate 
Death's  sought  for  att  another  gate 


264  E.  B.  Reed, 


[LA  SOLITUDE  ^ 
A  Alcidon. 

Que  j'ayme  la  solitude! 
Que  ces  lieux  sacrez  a  la  nuit, 
Esloignez  du  monde  et  du  bruit, 
Plaisent  a  mon  inquietude  ! 
Mon  Dieu !  que  mes  yeux  sont  contens 
De  voir  ces  bois,  qui  se  trouverent 
A  la  nativite  du  temps, 
Et  que  tons  les  siecles  reverent, 
Estre  encore  aussi  beaux  et  vers, 
Qu'aux  premiers  jours  de  I'univers ! 

Un  gay  zephire  les  caresse 
D'un  mouvement  doux  et  flatteur. 
Rien  que  leur  extresme  hauteur 
Ne  fait  remarquer  leur  vieillesse. 
Jadis  Pan  et  ses  demy-dieux 
Y  vindrent  chercher  du  refuge, 
Quand  Jupiter  ouvrit  les  cieux 
Pour  nous  envoyer  le  deluge, 
Et,  se  sauvans  sur  leurs  rameaux, 
A  peine  virent-ils  les  eaux. 

Que  sur  cette  espine  fleurie, 
Dont  le  printemps  est  amoureux, 
Philomele,  au  chant  langoureux, 
Entretient  bien  ma  resverie ! 
Que  je  prens  de  plaisir  a  voir 
Ces  monts  pendans  en  precipices, 
Qui,  pour  les  coups  du  desespoir, 
Sont  aux  malheureux  si  propices, 
Quand  la  cruaute  de  leur  sort 
Les  force  a  rechercher  la  mort ! 


1  This  is  not  in  the  MS.     See  pp.  246-248. 


MS.  Fairfax  40.  265 

How  pleasant  are  the  Murmuring  stream 
In  shady  Vallyes  runing-e  downe 
Whose  raginge  torrents  as  itt  seemes 
Just  measurs  keepe  in  skpps  &  bounds 
Then  gUdinge  vnder  th'  arbored  banks 
As  windinge  Serpents  in  the  grass 
The  sportfull  Naides  playes  ther  pranks 
[p.  555]         Vpon  the  watry  plaines  of  Glass 
The  christal  Elements  wherin 
These  watry  Nimphes  delight  to  swime 

The  qviiet  Marshe  I  loue  to  see 
That  bounded  is  w^^  willowes  round 
With  Sallow,  Elme,  &  Popler  tree 
W'='^  Iron  yett  hath  giuen  noe  wound 
The  Nimphes  that  Come  to  take  fresh  Ayre 
Here  Rocks  &  Spindles  them  prouide 
Mongst  Sedge  &  Bulrush  we  may  heare 
The  lepinge  Froggs  Se  wher  they  hide 
Themselues  for  feare  when  they  espye 
A  Man  or  Beast  approachinge  nye 

[p.  556]         A  hundred  thousand  Fowle  her  lye 
All  voyd  of  feare  makinge  ther  Nest 
Noe  treachrous  Fowler  here  Comes  nye 
W*^  mortal  gunnes  to  breake  ther  rest 
Some  ioying  in  the  sunn's  warme  beames 
Ther  fethers  buisil}'  doe  plume 
Whilst  others  findinge  Loue's  hott  flames 
In  waters  allsoe  can  Consume 
And  in  all  pastimes  Inocent 
Are  pleased  in  this  Element 

How  pleasant  is  itt  to  behold 
'Hiese  ancient  Ruinated  Towers 
[p.  557]         'Gainst  w^i"  the  Giants  did  of  old 

W*'^  Insolence  imploye  ther  Powers 

Now  Sayters  here  ther  Sabath  keepe 

And  Sperits  w'^''  our  sence  inspire 

"\\rth  frightinge  dreames  whilst  we  doc  sleepe 

Noe  here  againe  all  day  retire 

In  thousand  Chinkes  &  dusty  holes 

Lyes  vgly  Batts  cS;  Scritchinge  Owlcs 


266  E.  B.  Reed, 

Que  je  trouve  doux  le  ravage 
De  ces  fiers  torrens  vagabonds, 
Qui  se  precipitent  par  bonds 
Dans  ce  valon  vert  et  sauvage ! 
Puis,  glissant  sous  les  arbrisseaux, 
Ainsi  que  des  serpens  sur  I'herbe, 
Se  changent  en  plaisans  ruisseaux, 
Ou  quelque  Nai'ade  superbe 
Regne  comme  en  son  Hot  natal, 
Dessus  un  throsne  de  christal ! 

Que  j'aime  ce  marets  paisible! 
11  est  tout  borde  d'aliziers, 
D'aulnes,  de  saules  et  d'oziers, 
A  qui  le  fer  n'est  point  nuisible. 
Les  Nymphes,  y  cherchans  le  frais, 
S'y  viennent  fournir  de  quenouilles, 
De  pipeaux,  de  joncs  et  de  glais ; 
Ou  Ton  voit  sauter  les  grenouilles, 
Oui  de  frayeur  s'y  vont  cacher 
Si  tost  qu'on  veut  s'en  approcher. 

La,  cent  mille  oyseaux  aquatiques 
Vivent,  sans  craindre,  en  leur  repos, 
Le  giboyeur  fin  et  dispos, 
Avec  ses  mortelles  pratiques. 
L'un,  tout  joyeux  d'un  si  beau  jour, 
S'amuse  a  becqueter  sa  plume ; 
L'autre  allentit  le  feu  d'amour 
Qui  dans  I'eau  mesme  se  consume, 
Et  prennent  tous  innocemment 
Leur  plaisir  en  cet  element. 

Que  j'ayme  a  voir  la  decadence 
De  ces  vieux  chasteaux  ruinez, 
Contre  qui  les  ans  mutinez 
Ont  deploye  leur  insolence ! 
Les  sorciers  y  font  leur  sabat ; 
Les  demons  follets  s'y  retirent, 
Qui  d'un  malicieux  ebat 
Trompent  nos  sens  et  nous  martirent ; 
La  se  nichent  en  mille  troux 
Les  couleuvres  et  les  hyboux. 

'  Fail-fax  omits  a  stanza  here. 


MS.  Fa h fax  40.  267 

These  Mortal  Augurs  of  Mischance 
Who  funerall  notes  as  Musick  makes 
The  GobHns  singe  &  skipp  &  dance 
In  valts  ore  spred  w'^  Toads  &  Snakes 
Ther  in  a  Cursed  beame  might  see 
[p.  558]         The  horred  Skehton  of  some  poore  louer 
Well  for  his  Mistriss  Cruelty 
Hanged  himselfe  sence  naught  could  moue  her 
Or  wth  a  glance  nott  once  to  daine 
To  ease  him  of  his  mortal  paine 

The  Marble  Stones  here  strew 'd  about 
Of  Carracters  leaue  yett  some  signe 
But  now  are  almost  eaten  outt 
By  teeth  of  all  deuouring  time 
The  planks  &  timber  from  aboue 
Downe  to  the  lowest  Valts  are  fau'ne 
Wher  Toads  &  Vipers  'mongst  them  moue 
Leauinge  theron  ther  deadly  spawne 
[p.  559]         And  Harths  that  once  were  vs'd  fvr  fyers 
Now  shaded  are  w^ii  scratchinge  Bryers 

Yet  lower  an  Arched- Valt  extends 

Soe  hiddious  darke  &  deepe  doth  sinke 

That  did  the  Sun  therin  desend 

I  thinke  he  scarce  Could  se  a  winke 

Slumber  that  from  heauy  Cares 

W*   drowsiness  inchants  our  sence 

Sleepes  here  secure,  as  far  from  feares 

Lul'd  in  the  Armes  of  Negligence 

And  on  her  back  in  sluggish  sort 

Vpon  the  pauement  lyes  &  Snort 

[p.  560]  When  from  these  Ruings  I  doe  goe 

Vp  an  aspiringe  Rock  nott  farre 
Whose  topp  did  seeme  ast  were  to  know 
Wher  mists  &  Stormes  ingendred  are 
And  then  desending  att  my  leasure 
Downe  paths  made  by  the  storming  Waues 
I  did  laehold  w"'   greater  pleasure 
How  they  did  worke  the  hollow  Caues 
A  worke  soe  Curious  &  soe  rare 
As  if  that  Neptuns  Court  were  ther 


268  E.  B.  Reed, 

L'orfraye,  avec  ses  cris  funebres, 
Mortels  augures  des  destins, 
Fait  rire  et  dancer  les  lutins 
Dans  ces  lieux  remplis  de  tenebres. 
Sous  un  chevron  de  bois  maudit 
Y  branle  le  squelette  horrible 
D'un  pauvre  amant  qui  se  pendit 
Pour  une  bergere  insensible, 
Qui  d'un  seul  regard  de  pitie 
Ne  daigna  voir  son  amitie. 


La  se  trouvent  sur  quelques  marbres 
Des  devises  du  temps  passe ; 
Icy  I'age  a  presque  efface 
Des  chiffres  taillez  sur  les  arbres ; 
Le  plancher  du  lieu  le  plus  haut 
Est  tombe  jusques  dans  la  cave, 
Que  la  limace  et  le  crapaut 
Souillent  de  venin  et  de  bave ; 
Le  lierre  y  croist  au  foyer, 
A  I'ombrage  d'un  grand  noyer. 

La  dessous  s'estend  une  voute 
Si  sombre  en  un  certain  endroit. 
Que,  quand  Phebus  y  descendroit, 
Je  pense  qu'il  n'y  verroit  goutte; 
Le  Sommeil  aux  pesans  sourcis, 
Enchante  d'un  morne  silence, 
Y  dort,  bien  loing  de  tons  soucis, 
Dans  les  bras  de  la  Nonchalence, 
Laschement  couche  sur  le  dos 
Dessus  des  gerbes  de  pavos. 

Tantost,  sortant  de  ces  mines, 
Je  monte  au  haut  de  ce  rocher, 
Dont  le  sommet  semble  chercher 
En  quel  lieu  se  font  les  bruines; 
Puis  je  descends  tout  a  loisir, 
Sous  une  falaise  escarpee, 
D'ou  je  regarde  avec  plaisir 
L'onde  qui  I'a  presque  sappee 
Jusqu'au  siege  de  Palemon, 
Fait  d'esponges  et  de  limon. 


'  Fairfax  omits  a  stanza  here. 


MS.  Fairfax  40.  269 

Tis  a  delightfull  sight  to  see 
Standinge  on  the  mufuringe  shore 
[p.  561]         When  Calmer  Seas  begin  to  bee 

After  the  Stormes  w^'^  raginge  roare 
How  the  blew  Trytons  doe  appeare 
Vpon  the  rollinge  Curled  Wanes 
Beatinge  w*  hiddious  tunes  'the  Ayre 
W^i'   Crooked  Trumpets  Sea-men  braues 
Att  whose  shrill  notes  the  winds  doe  seeme 
By  keepinge  still  to  beare  esteeme 

Sometimes  the  Sea  w^h  Tempests  rore 
Frettinge  itt  Can  rise  noe  higher 
Roulinge  or'e  the  flinty  shore 
Throwes  them  vp  againe  retires 
[p.  562]  Somtimes  through  itt's  deuouringe  Jawes 

When  Neptun's  in  an  angr}'  moode 
Poore  mariners  finde  his  Cruel  lawes 
Made  to  his  finy  Subiects  foode 
But  Diamonds  Amber  &  the  Jett 
To  Neptune  they  doe  Consecrate 

Sometimes  soe  Cleare  &  soe  serene 
Itt  seemes  ast  were  a  looking  glass 
And  to  our  Vewes  presenting  seemes 
As  heauens  beneath  the  waters  was 
The  Sun  in  it's  soe  clearely  seene 
That  contemplatinge  this  bright  sight 
[p.  563]  As't  was  a  doubt  whether  itt  had  beene 

Himselfe  or  image  gaue  the  hght 
Att  first  appearing  to  our  eyes 
As  if  he  had  falne  from  the  skyes 

Thus  Alcidon  whose  loue  inioynes 
To  thinke  for  thee  noe  hibor  paine 
Receaue  these  Rustick  Shepheards  lines 
That's  from  ther  liuinge  obiects  ta'ine 
Sence  I  seeke  only  desart  places 
Wher  all  alone  my  thoughts  doe  use 
Noe  entertainment  but  what  pleases 
The  genius  of  my  Rural  Muse 
But  noe  thoughts  more  delighteth  mee 
Then  sweet  Remembrances  of  thee 
Trans.  Conn.  Acad.,  Vol.  XIV.  18  July,  lOO'J. 


270  E.  B.  Reed, 

Que  c'est  une  chose  agreable 
D'estre  sur  le  bord  de  la  mer, 
Quand  elle  vient  a  se  calmer 
Apres  quelque  orage  effroyable ! 
Et  que  les  chevelus  Tritons, 
Hauts,  sur  les  vagues  secouees, 
Frapent  les  airs  d'estranges  tons 
Avec  leurs  trompes  enrouees, 
Doat  I'eclat  rend  respectueux 
Les  vents  les  plus  impetueux. 

Tantost  I'onde,  brouillant  I'arene, 
Murmure  et  fremit  de  courroux, 
Se  roullant  dessus  les  cailloux 
Qu'elle  apporte  et  qu'elle  r'entraine. 
Tantost,  elle  estale  en  ses  bords. 
Que  I'ire  de  Neptune  outrage, 
Des  gens  noyez,  des  monstres  morts, 
Des  vaisseaux  brisez  du  naufrage, 
Des  diamans,  de  I'ambre  gris, 
Et  mille  autres  choses  de  pris. 

Tantost,  la  plus  claire  du  monde, 
Elle  semble  un  miroir  flottant, 
Et  nous  represente  a  I'instant 
Encore  d'autres  cieux  sous  I'onde. 
Le  soleil  s'y  fait  si  bien  voir, 
Y  comtemplant  son  beau  visage, 
Qu'on  est  quelque  temps  a  syavoir 
Si  c'est  luy-mesme,  ou  son  image, 
Et  d'abord  il  semble  a  nos  yeux 
Qu'il  s'est  laisse  tomber  des  cieux. 

Bernieres,  pour  qui  je  me  vante 
De  ne  rien  faire  que  de  beau, 
Re^oy  ce  fantasque  tableau 
Fait  d'une  peinture  vivante. 
Je"^ne  cherche  que  les  deserts, 
Ou,  resvant  tout  seul,  je  m'amuse 
A  des  discours  assez  diserts 
De  mon  genie  avec  la  muse; 
Mais  mon  plus  aymable  entretien 
C'est  le  ressouvenir  du  tien. 


Fairfax  omits  the  two  concluding  stanzas. 


MS.  Fairfax  40.  271 


[p.  564]  Of  a  Faire  Wife 

to  Coresfio 


"to' 


Thou  thinkst  Coregio  thou  hast  gott 

An  exelent  Beauty  to  thy  lott 

But  yet  remember  this  againe 

For  pleasure  also  thovi'lt  haue  paine 

No  perfect  rest  can  be  to  thee 

When  watchfull  always  thou  must  be 

T'is  hard  &  difficult  to  keepe 

That  all  the  world  desire  &  seeke 

Is  her  beauty  much,  Then  know 

Her  pride's  noe  less  w<=h  she  doth  show 

[p.  565]    Dost  thou  admire  her  th'more  will  shee 
For  thy  esteeme  disdainful!  be 
But  is  shee  faire  Consider  this 
If  shee  be  chast,  some  doubt  it  is 
As  shee  in  hansomnes  exceeds 
Soe  much  of  Modesty  shee  needs 
Shee'l  alwayes  be  a  Mistress  there 
Wher  only  thou  Comand  should  beare 
But  wouldst  thou  haue  me  to  define 
This  rare  beauty  that  is  thine 
Thy  IdoU  as  thou  make's  of  itt 
Much  more  of  Hurt  then  good  thou'le  gett 

[p.  566]    For  th'  Adoration  by  thee  giuen 

Giues  thee  a  Hell  insteade  of  Heauen 
New  habits  daly  shee  will  axe 
And  if  denyed  then  shee  will  vex 
And  thinke  all's  nothing  in  her  passion 
That's  nott  in  the  Mode  &  fashion 
As  if  her  Body  were  assign'd 
To  giue  Inquietud's  to  thy  minde 
Me  thinke  I  see  thee  rauisht  on  her 
Thou  l)linde  (as  Idolizinge)  Louer 
Ma'as  soone  begett  Ixion's  l)rood 
On  Juno's  Image  in  a  cloude 


272  B.  E.  Reed, 

[p.  567]   Why  shouldst  thou  longer  thus  submit 
To  her  who  to  obay's  more  fitt 
Least  when  thy  Reason  once  is  lost 
Thy  Liberty  too  itt  will  Cost 
And  in  the  end  butt  as  a  slaue 
A  soueraine  for  Companion  haue 
To  say  noe  worse  of  Beauty  I  Conclude 
It  is  but  an  Ilustrious  seruitude 


[p.  568]  Of  Beauty 

Beauty's  a  fraile  &  brittle  good 
W^  Sicknes  Time  &  Age  doe  blast 
The  Rose  &  Lilly  in  face  thatt  budd 
Hardly  are  keept  &  seldome  last 
What  hath  she  then  to  boast  on  Sane 
A  fragil  life  &  timely  graue 

Beauty  wher  sweet  Graces  faile 
May  be  Compared  vnto  this 
A  goodly  ship  w^^  out  her  saile 
A  spring  her  fragrant  flower  doe  miss 
[p.  569]    A  day  want's  Sun  or  Torch  itts  Light 
A  shrine  want's  Saint  or  Starless  night 

But  how  doth  Nature  seeme  to  smother 

The  Virtues  of  this  lonely  Flower 

Who  is  of  wanton  Lust  the  Mother 

Of  toyinge  Vanity  a  Bowre 

Enimy  of  Peace  the  Fount  wher  Pride  doe  swime 

Th'  Incendeary  of  Strife  of  Passions  Magazen 


[p.  570]  Vpon  a  Patch  Face 

Noe  Beauty  Spots  should  ladyes  weare 

They  but  the  Spots  of  beauty  are 

Who  knowes  nott  this  (saue  foolish  Sotts) 

That  Beauty  aught  to  haue  noe  Spotts 

Some  note  a  Spot  that  Venus  had 

Admitt  itt  were  in  one  soe  badd 

Yett  should  nott  shee  haue  Spots  vpon  Her 

That  would  be  held  a  Maide  of  Honor 


MS.  Fair/ax  40.  273 

[p.  571]  Vpon  an  ill  Husband 

All  Creaturs  else  on  Earth  that  are 
Whether  they  Peace  affect  or  Warre 
Males  ther  Females  ne're  opress 
By  the  Lyon  safe  lyes  the  Lyoness 
[p.  572]         The  Beares  ther  Mates  noe  harme  procure 
Wtii  Wolfe  the  shee  Woolfe  lines  secure 
And  of  the  Bull  the  Earth  wc^  teeres 
The  tender  Heyfer  has  noe  feares 
But  men  then  these  more  brutish  are 
Who  w'l'  ther  wiues  Contend  &  jarre 


[p.  572]  Of  Enuy 

In  Enuy's  Face  discerne  I  this 
Of  Monsters  shee  most  Monstrous  is 
A  hurtfull  glance  her  eye  doth  dart 
A  painfull  paine  lies  att  her  hart 

[p.  573]         Noe  Good  doe's  Man  enioy  by  Right 
Her  enuious  teeth  doth  nott  bitte 
To  Carracterize  her  yitt  more  fitt 
Of  Errino^e  blindness  shee  the  Pitt 
A  Hell  to  Natures  swetest  Life 
Reuenges  Spur  the  flame  of  Strife 
Her  Actions  yett  bespeake  her  worse 

'  To  Ciuill  Peace  a  vexinge  Curse 

Temptation's  Sargent  that's  assign'd 
The  Sentinell  of  Restless  minde 
More  hurtfull  to  the  soule  by  farr 
Then  Vipers  to  the  body  are 
But  in  a  word  t'express  this  Euell 
T'is  the  Sin  peculier  to  the  Duiill 


I  p.  574]  Of  Anger 

Noe  Passion's  rooted  deeper  or  extends 
Her  branches  furder  or  that  more  offends 
Then  Coller  doth  of  w<^''  no  sex  or  Age 
Can  boast  a  full  exemption  from  itts  rage 
And  when  it's  boundless  fury  growes 
It's  high  distemper  Madnes  showes 


274  E.  B.  Reed, 

Soe  oft  as  Man  is  Angery  oh  tis  sadd 
He's  nott  onl}^  weake  but  blinde  &  Madd 
Error  for  Truth  imbraces  &  t'wer  well 
If  dearest  freinds  from  enimys  he  Covild  tell 
A  harmeless  smile  or  from  the  eye  a  glance 
Though  vndesign'd  puts  him  into  a  trance 

[p.  575]    And  when  his  fury  wakes  how  oft  tis  seene 

Frendships  most  sacred  bonds  disolued  haue  beene 

Who  doth  nott  then  discerne  in  sundry  fashions 

How  Man  afflicted  is  w^h  Angry  passions 

More  feirce  then  are  some  Brutes  as  may  apeare 

They  sometimes  yeilds  but  he's  in  full  Cariere 

As  Mariners  when  w^ii  amazement  smitt 

The  Pilots  voyce  in  stormes  regards  nott  itt 

Soe  men  in  frenzy  ther  strange  gesters  are 

Wild  as  the  beasts  &  Irreguler 

The  flaminge  fire  w^^  Passions  kindle  flies 

In  furious  sparkes  from  his  piercinge  eyes 

His  angry  face  by  a  reflux  of  blood 

That  from  his  Hart  assends  becometh  rude 

[p.  576]    His  haire  w^^  gastly  horror  stands  vpright 

And  euery  word  he  speakes  he  seemes  to  bitt 

His  hands  &  feet  in  ther  excentrick  Motions 

Breath  naught  but  threats  w^^  rash  &  bloody  notions 

His  Lookes  soe  terrible  as  doe  portend 

A  fatal  Change  vnto  his  nearest  freind 

What  must  be  then's  distempred  soule  wti>in 

Soe  vgly  outward,  but  a  sinke  of  Sin 


[p.  577]  Of  Virtue 

As  wel  tun'd  Musick  sweetly  seize 
The  sehces  soe  doth't  Virtue  please 
The  Virtuous,  force  the  Vitious  too 
Th'admire  in  others  what  they  should  doe 
Those  best  loue  virtue  &  her  lawes 
That  most  Contemnes  men's  vains  aplaues 
Vertue  alone  all  Grace  inhance 
And  she  noe  vse  doth  make  of  chance 
Whose  effects  are  transcent  in  th'  euent 
What  proceeds  from  virtue's  permenent 


MS.  Fair/ax  40.  275 

Those  things  itt  shghts  the  World  doe  hold 

Pretious  as  Fortunes  Goods  &  Gold 
[p.  578]    These  hath  ther  wings  &  flye  away 

When  Man  desireth  most  ther  Stay 

The  virtious  Soule  prize  most  that  some 

Thinkes  but  from  sheepesh  nature  Come 

And  nott  from  Grace  the  spring  fro  whence 

Flowes  Virtue  Goodnes  Inocence 

Care  thou  for  these  sence  they'le  apeare 

Much  surer  Goods  then  Riches  are 

Thy  virtious  acts  goe  wher  thou  will 

For  Companions  thou  shalt  haue  still 

When  Men  shall  faile  &  freindship  both 

A  better  frende  w^ii  thee  then  goe'th 

Enuy  att  death  shal  Cease  in  Foes 

No  Post-hume  euel  Malice  knowes 
[p.  579]    In  transendent  hight  shal  vertue  shine 

Wher  feet  of  Enuy  Can  not  clime 

Virtue  alone  doth  death  outline 

As't  t'wer  againe  new  life  doth  giue 

Whilst  Goods  of  Fortune  here  haue  ends 

Virtue  alone  to  heauen  assends 


[p.  582]  Nature  &  Fortune 


What  thing  is  nature  we  may  thus  define 
God  draws't  through  Beings  in  directst  line 
Wher  as  in  Fortune  soe  miscal'd  by  some 
More  Crooked  is  &  in  Meanders  rune 
As  Natur's  rule  by  prouidence  deuine 
Soe  Fortune  too  in  an  obstrucer  line 
Then  Fortune  is  not  blinde  as  vaine  men  says 
Tis  they  are  blinde  discerning  not  her  wayes 


I  p.  583]  The  Christian  War-fare 

The  miirke  of  note  Gods  children  here  doc  beare 
Is  from  the  World's  a  different  Carrecter 
He  to  th'one  for  portion  here  beneath 
Doth  Losses,  Shame  &  Pouerty  bequeath 


276  E.  B.  Reed, 

Yett  happy  those  Aflictions  wee  account 
That  to  the  State  Eternal  doe  amount 
The  worldly  brood  if  we  Caractrize 
Th'  haue  noe  Aflictions  Hue  in  Paridize 
Ther  Riches  here  as  they  desire  augment 
Ther  Honors  too  increase  to  ther  Content 
But  as  a  dreame  these  Honers  vanish  soone 
And  an  eternal  woe  shal  take  ther  Roome 
As  fatt  of  Lambes  away  they  shall  Consume 
Ther  Honor  vanish  into  smoke  &  fume 

[p.  584J    T'indure  sorrowes  &  Iniuryes  we  must 
(As  Scriptures  tel)  &  be  to  exile  thrust 
Then  tis  a  signe  indeed  heauen  is  ovir  choyse 
When  in  our  Tribulations  wee  reioyce 
T'is  Gileads  pretious  Balme  &  serues  to  binde 
The  wounds  &  blowes  w°'i  here  below  we  finde 
Yea  happ3^  choyse  though  thus  the  World  vs  treat 
Seing  that  in  heauen  our  reward  is  great 
The  Soulder  of  that  name  vnworthy  is 
That  trembles  att  the  sight  of  enimyes 
Soe  is  the  Christian  w^h  that  title  bear's 
If  he  att  threats  of  aduerse  destine  fear's 
But  w*^  a  patient  calmness  lett's  receaue 
What  the  Soueraigne  hand  is  pleas'd  to  giue 

[p.  585]    The  Midle  Region  or  those  parts  aboue 

Are  least  obscurd  nor  ther  doe  Tempests  moue 
Soe  should  our  soules  be  raysd  boue  Passions  sphere 
Noe  Stormes  of  Tongues  Nor  Cloudes  of  enuy  feare 
In  fronts  of  Batailes  we  our  fortunes  Sett 
The  Ship  at  Sea  w^^  stormy  winds  is  bett 
The  Pilot  scapt  from  former  gusts  noe  more 
Feare's  ship-wrack  now  then  what  he  did  before 
The  Soulder  oft  to  frequent  perills  knowne 
Neglect's  the  danger  that's  soe  Cohion  growne 
And  soe  should  we  when  our  Aflictions  growe 
Wth  lenghtned  Patience  learne  to  beare  them  too 
This  Life's  a  war-fare  if  sometimes  begun 
To  parly  w'^  our  sorrowes  t'is  soone  done 
And  ill  th'  end  when  hopes  begin  to  Cease 

[p.  586]    Proues  but  a  Cessation  noe  Continu'd  Peace 

Whilst  through  cleare  skyes  the  .Sun  triumphant  rides 
Vpon  a  sudden  cloudes  his  splendor  hides 


MS.  Fair/ax  40.  277 

Doth  health  &  Pleasure  spur  our  sences  on 

Soon  sickness  Comes  and  all  delights  are  gone 

Such  is  the  State  of  vs  vncertaine  men 

To  know  in  calmes  to  guide  our  Vessels  then 

Is  not  enough,  but  t'is  when  Tempests  rise 

To  steare  a  Course  both  Patient,  Stout,  &  Wise 

Did  our  misfortunes  soe  deuide  our  share 

As  some  shee  would  Aflict  &  others  Spare 

We  might  Complaine  of  her  inconstant  fitts 

Bullets  as  soon  th'  Captaine  as  soulder  hitts 

The  Feauer  to  the  Great  a  deafe  eare  hath 

[p.  587]    As  to  the  meanest  both  subuerts  by  death 
Soe  may  the  Justice  of  Impartial  fate 
For  Comfort  serue  vs  in  our  greatest  Strait 
Why  doe  we  enuy  then  aspiringe  Men 
W**!  Stormes  the  Vallyes  are  less  troubled  then 
The  lofty  Hills  &  humble  shrubbs  belowe 
Less  danger's  in  then  Oakes  that  highest  growe^ 
See  we  not  how  the  straitest  Popler  tree 
And  spredinge  Elme  as  they  vngratfull  be 
For  nurishment)  to  barreness  incline 
Whilst  prostrate  on  the  ground  the  Crocked  vine 
Abundance  yeilds  or  haue  we  nott  scene 
From  highest  plenty  men  in  wants  haue  beene 
How  many  Kings  falne  from  ther  Regall  seate 
Haue  Crack't  their  Crownes  ther  Royal  Septers  breake 

[p.  588]    Our  Wittnesses  by  cloudes  we  all  may  bringe 
To  shew  that  splendid  honours  a  vaine  thinge 
Should  they  be  ta'ne  from  vs  resolue  thus  much 
Ther  loss  should  not  be  great  ther  fading's  such 
Should  we  aflict  ourselues  when  loss  appear's 
Our  Teares  would  sooner  want  then  Cause  for  toares 
All  you  w'l'   heauenly  Marks  of  God  indued 
Arme  to  the  Fi<:ht  shew  Virtue  Fortitude 
As  Rocks  'gainst  w^i^  the  raging  billowes  rore 
Keepe  firme  ther  station  on  the  threatned  shore 
Soe  let  our  Soules  be  firme  &  Constant  still 
Against  the  threats  this  World  doth  make  of  111 
Or  as  a  Diamon  mongst  the  dust  doth  dart 
The  beauty  more  in  itt's  resplendent  sparke 


'  Cf.  Horace,   Cann.  II  10. 


278  E.  B.  Reed, 

[p.  589]    In  midst  of  troubles  soe  lett  vs  demeane 
As  Countinances  be  pleasant  Soules  serene 
Remember  t'is  from  high  Aflictions  fall 
From  Prouidence  deuine  that  goueni's  all 
Who  when  he  please  in  turning  of  an  eye 
Turn's  Wrath  to  Mercy  Sorrows  into  Joy 
T'is  he  who  made  the  firtile  Earth  produce 
Her  anual  fruit  most  meet  for  humaine  vse 
He  both  the  Rose  &  Violets  did  Cloth 
T'is  he  beauty  &  th'oders  gaue  to  both 
'Twas  his  Almighty  power  that  did  make  fall 
Att  Israels  seige  the  Jereconian  Wall 
That  on's  Enimyes  ruing  he  might  raise 
Trophy  on  Trophy  to  inrich  his  Prayse 

[p.  590]    Shal  we  then  those  his  wonders  now  less  prize 
Or  thinke  his  Power  abat's,  or  hee  less  wise 
No,  hee's  as  able  still  Nor  shall  His  want 
Victory  on  Standards  Glory  on  ther  front 

[p.  590]  Life  &  Death  Compared  together 

Such  vulgar  thoughts  the  World  doe  fill 
To  thinke  Life  good  Death  only  ill 
Then  life  ill  lined  noe  euell's  worse 
Death  (dicing  well)  remoues  the  Curse 
And  tis  for  certaine  truth  men  tell 
He  ne're  dies  ill  that  liueth  well 
111  Hues  doe  but  ther  Ills  increase 
[p.  591]         But  dieng  well  makes  Euells  Cease 

Badd  men  haite  death  but  not  soe  much 

That  itt  is  111,  as  They  are  such 

Moral  Men  teache  vs  in  their  bookes 

That  we  should  dispise  death's  grime  lookes 

T'is  Comon  sence  w''^  doth  inspire 

Ther  feares  of  thatt  Good  men  desire 

Nor  Can  we  truly  death  define 

By  makinge  odious  what's  sublime 

Consider't  in  th'  effects  &  soe  itt  will 

Plead  much  for  death  be't  Good  or  111 

Say  itt  be  111  yett  here's  the  Good 

To  greater  Ills  it  giues  a  period 

In  life  what  one  good  thinge  is  ther 


MS.  Fairfax  40.  279 

[p.  592]         To  keepe  our  Passions  Reguler 
The  many  Ills  each  day  is  done 
Makes  Death  less  fear'd  but  once  to  come 
But  rather  thanke  Death  that's  the  Cause 
Our  Ills  are  not  Imortal  Lawes 


[p.  592]  Vpon  a  Fontaine 

Seest  thou  how  these  waters  flowe 
How  soone  againe  away  itt  glides 
Soe  worldly  Glory's  but  a  showe 
That  neuer  long  w^h   vs  abides^ 


[p.  593]  Vpon  the  New-built 

House  att  Apleton 

Thinke  not  o  Man  that  dwells  herein 
This  House's  a  Stay  but  as  an  Inne 
W^  for  Conuenience  fittly  stands 
In  way  to  one  nott  made  w^h  hands 
But  if  a  time  here  thou  take  Rest 
Yett  thinke  Eternity's  the  Best 


[p.  594]  Shortness  of  Life 

In  Rosy  mor'ne  I  saw  Aurora  red 
But  when  the  Sun  his  beames  had  fully  spred 
She  vanisht  I  saw  a  Frost  then  a  Dew 
T'wixt  time  soe  short  as  scarce  a  time  I  knew 
This  stranger  seemd  when  in  more  raised  thought 
I  saw  Death  Come  How  soone  a  life  he'ad  Caught 
Wher  in  the  turninge  of  an  eye  he'ad  done 
Farre  vSpeo^dier  execution  then  the  Sun 


Pour  une  Fontaine 
Vols  tu,  passaut,  couler  cette  onde 
Et  s'ecouler  iin-outiiieiit  V 
Ainsi  fait  la  yloire  dii  monde 
Et  rien  que  Dieu  n'est  permaueiit  Mallierbe. 


280  E.  B.  Reed, 

[p.  595]  Epitaph  on  A  V  dieng  Younge 

O  what  affront  was  itt  to  Nature 

And  sadder  Influence  of  the  Skyes 

That  in  a  moment  clos'd  the  Eyes 

Of  such  a  machless  Creature 

But  askinge  what  might  be  the  Reason 

That  Creviel  Fate  soe  out  of  season 

Had  Caried  her  from  vs  soe  farre 

This  Answer  was  to  me  returnd 

Least  that  the  Earth  should  bee  burnd 

By  th'  scorching  beames  of  that  bright  starr 


[p.  596]  The  Lady  Caryes 

Elogy  on  my  deare  Wife 

O  Fatal  fall  might  not  those  heapes  suffice 
This  Suiher  Captivi'd  but  thou  must  surprize 
The  best  of  Nobels  this  soe  great  good  Lady 
A  Vere  A  Fairfax  Honours-Honour,  Shee 
Did  grace  her  Birth  Sex  Relate  &  Degree 
&  Shee  a  Non-parell  for  Piety 
Vers't  in  the  Theory  of  Godliness 
The  wch  she  did  in  Conference  express 
Its  Practick  part  her  life  to  life  did  shew 
Each  way  but  most  excellinge  in  all  vew 
Was  Faith  Submission  vnweared  pleasantnes 
[p.  597]    With  vniuersal  weaknes,  Paine  Sickness 
Many  longe  lasting  Great  few  euer  sence 
Soe  followed  Job  in  suffringe  Patience 
But  she  is  now  most  gloriously  exalted 
Wher  sin  &  sorrow  neuer  entred 
To  Mount  Zion  heauenly  Jerusalem 
The  City  of  God  to  Sperits  of  Just  men 
To  Church  of  the  first  borne  to  Angels  blest 
To  God  to  Jesus  this  Compleats  the  rest 
Her  Faith  saw  this  w^^^  made  her  smile  att  death 
And  w'^^'  much  Joy  surrendred  vp  her  breath 
Her  Body  deare  her  All  thats  out  of  Heauen 
To  Billl)rough  church  as  a  riche  Treasure's  giuen 
Bilbrough  church-yeard  daine  me  a  little  roome 
That  after  death  my  graue  waite  on  her  Tombe. 


MS.  Fairfax  40.  281 

[p.  598]  To  the  Lady  Gary 

Vpon  her  Verses  on  my  deare  Wife 

Madam 

Could  I  a  Tribute  of  m}'  thanks  express 
As  you  haue  done  in  loue  &  purer  Verse 
On  my  best  selfe  then  I  might  Justly  raise 
Your  Elogy  t'Encomiums  of  your  Prayse 
And  see  forgett  the  Svibiect  that  did  moue 
Me  to  a  thankfulnes  as't  did  you  to  loue 

A. 

0  t'were  to  great  a  Crime  but  pray  allow 
Wher  I  fall  short  but  you  haue  reached  to 
Makinge  that  Good  wisest  of  Kings  hath  said 
Th'  Liuing's  not  soe  Preyse-worthy  then  the  dead 

1  thinke  the  Reason's  this  itts  grounded  on 
'Cause  Mercys  are  not  priz'd  till  they  are  gone 

[p.  599]    O  had  not  hopes  surpast  my  grosser  sence 
My  loss  Could  not  haue  had  a  recompence 
Yett  such  an  Influence  hath  your  happy  straine 
To  bring  my  buried  Joy  to  life  againe 
Vertue  Goodnes  Loue  things  hiiortalize 
The  better  part  when  as  the  other  dies 
True,  Soules  in  Bodyes  haue  ther  being  here 
But  Loues  in  Soules  haue  ther  ther  proper  Sphere 
Then  is  true  loue  Compos'd  of  Nobler  fyers 
Then  to  extinguish  when  the  Life  expires 
Butt  to  Conclude  Madam  me  think  you  'spire 
In  humblest  Thoughts  to  raise  your  Trophys  higher 
Then  Her's  you  would  attend  in  gelid  Mould 
W^h  for  her  Friend  the  lodging  seemes  too  Could 

fp.  GOO]    But  were  itt  soe  itt  my  good  haj^p  might  bee 
To  lye  next  Her,  To  you  our  Quire  is  free 


fj).  GOO]  On  the  Fatal  day 

Jan:  30  1648 

Oh  lett  that  Day  from  time  be  blotted  quitt 
And  lett  beleefe  oft  in  next  Age  be  waned 
In  deepest  silence  th'  Act  Concealed  might 
Soe  that  the  King-doms  Credit  might  be  saued 


282  E.  B.  Reed, 

But  if  the  Power  deuine  permited  this 
His  Will's  the  Law  &  ours  must  acquiesse 

Curse  loquuntur  leues 
Ingentes  stupent 


[p.  601]  Of  Inpartial  Fate 

Here  we  all  the  Same  Danger  run 

By  the  like  Destin's  we  are  ledd 

Same  Misfortune  to  the  Shepeard  Come 

May  attack  as  well  the  Crowned  head 

Our  dayes  are  Spun  vpon  that  wheele 

The  meanest  Subiect  &  greatest  Kinge 

To  like  end  th'  Fatal  Sisters  bringe 

The  thread  when  Cutt  both  same  Sisers  feele 


[f.  604]  A  Carracter  of  the  Romish 

Church  by  Francisco  Petrarca 
Laura  Can :   106 

Fiamma  dal  del  su  tue  treccie  pioua 

Heauens  dire  flame  sits  on  thy  Curled  tresses 

O  wrech,  from  scrip  &  wallet  who's  become 

Both  riche  &  great  through  those  w^^^  thou  oppresses 

Soe  much  reioyces  thou  when  euells  Come 

A  nest  of  Treasons  wher  mischeifes  bredd 

Ther  hacht  in  the  o're  the  World  is  spred 

Wine  Bed  good  Belly  chere  &  pleasant  dayes 
To  All,  thy  whoredoms  to  the  vttmost  shews 
[p.  605]    Thy  seruants  younge  &  old  the  wanton  playes 
This  fire  w^^i  bellowes  Bel-ze-bub  blowes 
Such  is  thy  life  thou  wicked  Epicure 
As  to  the  Heauens  thy  stinch  is  gone  vp  svire 

Fountaine  of  Greefe  &  woe  wraths  harbor  too 

Temple  of  Heresy  Pitt  of  Errors  deepe 

In  elter  times  we  held  thee  Rome  but  now 

Babel  the  peruerse  for  w'^'i  wee  weepe 

A  shopp  of  Cousnage  prison  of  Crueltyes 

Wher  ills  mentaind  &  wher  Goodnes  dyes 


MS.  Fairfax  40.  283 

When  founded  first  wast  humble  Poore  &  Chast 
Thy  homes  against  thy  Founders  now  thou  hfts 
[p.  606]    O  shameles  Strumpet  wher's  thy  trust  now  plast 
Is't  in  th'  Aduhryes  ill  gott  Goods  or  Shiffts 
Then  vnto  All  great  wonder  itt  will  bee 
If  Christ  in  th"  End  powre  nott  his  wrath  on  thee  ^ 

[Fiamma  dal  del  su  le  tue  trecce  piova, 
Malvagia,  che  dal  fiume  e  dalle  ghiande, 
Per  I'altru'  impoverir  se'  ricca  e  grande ; 
Poiche  di  mal  oprar  tanto  ti  giova : 

Nido  di  tradimenti,  in  cui  si  cova 

Quanto  mal  per  lo  mondo  oggi  si  spande ; 
Di  vin  serva,  di  letti  e  di  vivande, 
hi  cui  lussuria  fa  I'ultima  prova. 

Per  le  camere  tue  fanciulle  e  vecchi 
Vanno  trescando,  e  Belzebub  in  mezzo 
Co'  mantici  e  col  foco  e  con  gli  specchi. 

Gia  non  fostu  nudrita  in  piume  al  rezzo, 
Ma  nuda  al  vento,  e  scalza  fra  li  stecchi: 
Or  vivi  si,  ch'a  Dio  ne  venga  il  lezzo. 

Fontana  di  dolore,  albergo  d'ira, 

Scola  d'errori,  e  tempio  d'eresia; 

Gia  Roma,  or  Babilonia  falsa  e  ria, 

Per  cui  tanto  si  piagne  e  si  sospira. 
O  fucina  d'inganni,  o  prigion  dira, 

Ove  '1  ben  more,  e  '1  mal  si  nutre  e  cria; 

Di  vivi  Inferno ;  un  gran  miracol  fia, 

Se  Cristo  teco  alfinc  non  s'adira. 
Fondata  in  casta  ed  umil  povertate, 

Contra  tuoi  fondatori  alzi  le  corna, 

Putta  sfacciata:  e  dov'  hai  posto  spene? 
Negli  adulter]  tuoi,  nelle  malnate 

Ricchezze  tante  ?     Or  Constantin  non  torna  ; 

Ma  tolga  il  mondo  triste  che  '1  sostene.-J 


'  See  page  245. 

■'  Tiiese  sonnets  are  not  in  the  MS. 


284  E.  B.  Reed, 

fp.  612]  Vpon  the  Horse  w^h  his  Ma^ie 

Rode  vpon  att  his  Coronation  1660 

Hence  then  Dispaire  my  hopes  why  should  itt  bury 
Sence  this  braue  Steed  Bredd  first  was  in  my  Query 
Now  thus  aduanc't  w^^  highest  honors  loden 
Whilst  his  that  bredd  him  on  by  most  Mens  troden 
But  t'is  noe  matter  Seing  tho'  hast  gott  th'  Aduance 
Then  please  the  Royal  Rider  w*^  thy  Prance 
Soe  may  thy  Fame  much  rayse  thy  Prayses  higher 
Then  Chessnut  that  beo^ott  the  or  Brid-la-dore  his  Sire 


-'to^ 


Bridla-dore  (Anglice) 

Golden  Bridle 


[p.  613]  Vulgar  Proverbs 

None  to  another  freind  can  be 
That  to  himselfe's  an  enimy 

[p.  614]         Of  sence  &  Money  &  of  Faith 

Where's  the  Man  that  too  much  hath 

Betwixt  the  Bridle  &  the  Spur 
Reason  often  lodgeth  her 

In  th'  house  of  Foes  prepose  this  End 
To  gett  some  Woman  for  thy  freind 

[p.  615]         The  Hope  of  Gaine — Abateth  paine 

Wouldst  thou  have  all  thy  trouljles  cease 
Then  see  &  heare  &  hold  thy  peace 

Lait  (doe  we  say)  repents  the  Ratt 
When  by  the  Neck  has  hold  the  Catt 

His  thoughts  are  good  &  ever  best 
That  carryes  Death  w^^m.  his  brest 

[p.  617]         A  fatt  Earth  makes  a  Horse  to  labour 

But  A  good  Lawyer  is  an  ill  Neighbour 

Make  Night  of  Night  &  Day  of  Day 
Soe  w*^  less  sorrow  live  you  may 

[p.  618]         Pardon  to  Men  that  evel  be 

Unto  the  God's  an  injury  • 


aMS.  Fairfax  40.  285 

When  Pride  on  horseback  getteth  upp 
Loss  &  shame  sitts  on  the  Croup 

[p.  620]         He  that  would  live  in  healthfulnes 

Must  dine  w^'^  little  &  supp  w"'  less 

[p.  621]         As  the  evening  doth  the  day  cornend 
So  life  is  Praysed  b}^  the  end 

[p.  622]         Virtue  shewes  the  greater  grace 
Shining  from  a  bautious  face 

[p.  624]         Att  a  rounde  Table  noe  Strife  is 
Who  shal  be  nearest  a  grood  Dish 

Dry  March  Wett  Aprel  May  that's  both 
Brings  plenty  wher  ther  is  noe  sloth 

[p.  625]         In  a  fresh  gale 

Extend  thy  Saile 

[p.  626]         W^e  ma}'  be  sure  still  inocence 

Beares  in  itselfe  its  owne  defence 

[p.  627]         To  read  &  yitt  to  have  learn'd  nought 
Is  like  the  chase  wher  nothing's  caught 

[p.  628]         Tis  good  we  should  the  tongue  coifiand 
Speake  litle  &  more  understand 
For  if  from  us  our  words  once  fall 
It  is  too  laite  them  to  recall 

Humaine  Praise — Is  a  vaine  blaze 

[p.  631]         Sett  on  a  Seat  a  Foole  e're  longe 

He'le  wagg  his  Legges  or  sing  a  songe 

[p.  633]         Nature  made  nothing  so  sublime 

Butt  Virtue  to  the  topp  will  clime  " 

When  a  whit  frost  on  earth  doth  lu' 
Tis  a  presage  then  raine  is  nie 

[p.  635 1         On  a  womans  first  Counsel  rest 
Seldnmo  the  Second  is  the  l.iest 

Bread  Butter  &  good  Cheese 
A  shield  'gainst  death  be  al  these 
Trans.  Conn.  Acad.,  V(.l.  XIV.  li>  July,  liiOO. 


286  ^-  ^-  Reed, 

Pardon  give  to  every  one 
But  to  thj^selfe  alow  none. 

[p.  637]         When  Italy  is  wt'^out  Fish 

When  France  w^hout  Treason  is 
In  Eno-land  longe  noe  war  we  see 
Then  w^^out  Earth  the  World  shall  bee. 

[p.  638]         My  contry  is  in  all  lands  wher 

I  o-oe  &  meet  w^^  true  friends  ther. 


MS.  Fairfax  40.  287 

[p.  641]  The  teares  of  France  for  the 

deplorable  death  of  Henry  4 
surnamed  the  Great 

Ah  is  itt  then  Great  Henry  soe  fam'd 
For  taming  men  himselfe  by  death  is  tam'd 
Whatt  eye  his  glory  saw  now  his  sad  doome 
But  must  desolue  in  Teares  sigh  out  his  Soule 
Soe  small  a  shred  of  Earth  should  him  intombe 
Whos  acts  deseru'd  pocession  of  the  whole 

O  t'is  but  fitt  for  joyes  we  henceforth  mourne 
Our  songes  &  mirth  into  sad  plaints  we  turne 
Instead  of  this  great  King  greefe  may  raigne  here 
So  thatt  in  sorrow  plung'd  our  fainting  breath 
May  send  our  endless  sighs  to  th'highst  Sphere 
Whilst  hopless  teares  distill  vpon  the  earth 

[p.  642]    Yis  itt  is  htt  what  else  can  we  returne 
Butt  teares  as  offrings  to  his  sacred  vrne 
W^  them  his  Sable  Marble  tombe  bedew 
No  no  such  armes  too  weake  sence  itt  apeares 
For  vs  he  of  his  blood  too  careless  grew 
Haue  we  naught  else  for  him  butt  a  few  teares 

O  could  our  eyes  to  fontains  we  distill 
T'  Would  nott  abaite  the  least  part  of  our  ill 
We  oft  shed  teares  for  simple  wrongs  oft  weepe 
Too  Cornon  oft  for  things  of  lesser  prise 
Then  lett  vs  die  att  this  great  Monarchs  feet 
His  Tombe  th'  Alter,  our  selues,  the  sacrifice 

But  who  can  die  if  Sisters  Fate  denies 
A  closure  to  our  half  death  trickling  eyes 
Hauing  shut  vp  those  of  this  warrlike  Prince 
Atropos  so  proud's  of  her  royal  pray 
Her  Cypriss  into  laurels  will  turne,  Sence 
Of  this  great  Victor  she  hath  gott  the  day 

[p.  643]    But  sence  we  are  ordain'd  to  sigh  &  Hue 
And  after  tliis  ther  faitall  stroke  then  giue 
Line  then  complaining  this  sad  shock  of  Fate 
Wher  happy  da3's  are  gone,  no  ioy  ajijieares 
Tlien  mourne  &  sigh  till  death  our  greefe  abate 
And  shew  whilst  lining,  Life  shal  wast  in  teares 


288  E.  B.  Recti 


[^  Quoi  ?  faut-il  que  Henri,  ce  redoute  monarque, 
Ce  dompteur  des  humains,  soit  dompte  par  la  Parque  ? 
Que  I'oeil  qui  vit  sa  gloire  ores  voye  sa  fin  ? 
Que  le  nostre  pour  lui  incessamment  degoutte  ? 
Et  que  si  peu  de  terre  enferme  dans  son  sein 
Celui  qui  meritoit  de  la  posseder  toute  ? 

Quoi  ?  faut-il  qu'a  jamais  nos  joies  soyent  esteintes  ? 
Que  nos  chants  et  nos  ris  soyent  convertis  en  plaintes? 
Qu'au  lieu  de  nostre  roi  le  deuil  regne  en  ces  lieux  ? 
Que  la  douleur  nous  poigne  et  le  regret  nous  serre  ? 
Que  sans  fin  nos  sousoirs  montent  dedans  les  cieux  ? 
Que  sans  espoir  nos  pleurs  descendent  sur  la  terre  ? 

II  le  faut,  on  le  doit.     Et  que  pouvons-nous  rendre 
Que  des  pleurs  assidus,  a  cette  auguste  cendre  ? 
Arrousons  a  jamais  son  marbre  triste  blanc. 
Non,  non,  plustost  quittons  ces  inutiles  armes  ! 
Mais  puisqu'il  fiat  pour  nous  prodigue  de  son  sang, 
Serions-nous  bien  pour  lui  avares  de  nos  larmes  ? 

Quand  bien  nos  yeux  seroyent  convertis  en  fontaines, 
lis  ne  sauroyent  noyer  la  moindre  de  nos  peines. 
On  espanche  des  pleurs  pour  un  simple  meschef. 
Un  devoir  trop  commun  bien  souvent  peu  s'estime. 
II  faut  doncques  mourir  aux  pieds  de  nostre  chef. 
Son  tombeau  soit  I'autel  et  nos  corps  la  victime 

Mais  qui  pourroit  mourir?     Les  Parques  filandieres 
Desdaignent  de  toucher  a  nos  moites  paupieres, 
Ayans  ferme  les  yeux  du  prince  des  guerriers. 
Atropos  de  sa  proye  est  par  trop  glorieuse; 
Elle  pent  bien  changer  ses  cypres  en  lauriers,  ^ 

Puisque  de  ce  vainqueur  elle  est  victorieuse. 

Puisqu'il  nous  faut  encor  et  souspirer  et  vivre, 
Puisque  la  Parque  fuit  ceux  qui  la  veulent  suivre, 
Vivons  done  en  plaignant  nostre  rigoureux  sort, 
Nostre  bonheur  perdu,  nostre  joye  ravie ; 
Lamentons,  souspirons,  et  jusques  a  la  mort 
Tesmoignons  qu'en  vivant  nous  pleurons  nostre  vie. 


^  See  page  246.     This  is  not  in  the  MS. 


MS.  Fairfax  40.  289 

Bewaile  bewaile  this  our  great  Monarchs  fall 
Of  Judgment  perfait  humour  pleasing  all 
His  equal  none  a  Hart  w'^'out  all  feare 
Perfection  such  t'would  but  fall  short  in  prayse 
Enough  to'  aue  serued  a  World  to'  aue  admird  here 
Had  nott  his  equal  Justice  bound  his  wayes 

Lament  lament  this  Sage  &  Prudent  King 
Thatt  hight  of  Bonty,  vigelence  in  him 
Thatt  hart  w^'"^  could  be  mou'd  not  ouercome 
Virtues  here  rarely  found  though  we  inquire 
Parts  I  could  sooner  much  admire  then  surne 
Sence  this  Achilis  a  Homer  would  require 

[).  644]    We  canott  count  the  Splendours  of  his  Glorys 
Nor  number  yitt  his  signal  victorys 
O  no  for  such  a  subiect  were  too  great 
We  aught  to  prayse  what  yitt  we  cannot  write 
And  hold  our  peace  or  to  good  purpose  speake 
He  nothing  saith  doth  not  to  th'  full  recite 

His  famous  acts  once  raisd  our  drouping  heads 
His  Laurels  from  the  temples  was  our  shades 
End  of  his  Combats  ended  feares  wee're  in 
Him  only  i^ris'd  dispis'd  all  other  Powers 
More  gloring  to  be  subiect  to  this  King 
Then  if  we'ad  had  some  other  Kino-s  for  ours 


But  now  this  Glory's  clouded  w^h  a  staine 

And  now  our  joy  &  Mirtli  ther  leaue  hath  taine 

The  Lillys  faide  as  we  att  this  sad  Fate 

Downe  to  the  growne  ther  drouping  heads  doe  bo  we 

Seeming  as  humble  as  Compassionate 

To  crownc  his  Tombe  or  else  him  homage  doe 


■>r>^ 


[pp.  045,  646  are  bla)ik\ 


290  E.  B.  Reed,  MS.  Fairfax  40. 

Plai<jnons,  pleurons  sans  fin  cet  esprit  admirable, 
Ce  jugement  parfait,  cet'  humeur  agreable, 
Cet  liercule  sans  pair  aussi  bien  que  sans  peur, 
Tant  de  perfections  qu'en  loiiant  on  souspire. 
Qui  pouvoyent  asservir  le  monde  a  sa  valeur, 
Si  sa  rare  equite  n'eust  borne  son  Empire. 

Regrettons,  souspirons  cette  sage  prudence, 
Cette  extreme  bonte,  cette  rare  vaillance, 
Ce  coeur  qui  se  pouvoit  fleschir  et  non  dompter. 
Vertus  de  qui  la  perte  est  a  nous  tant  amere 
Et  que  je  puis  plustost  admirer  que  chanter, 
Puisqu'  a  ce  grand  Achille  il  faudroit  un  Homere. 


Pourroit-on  bien  conter  le  nombre  de  ses  gloires  ? 
Pourroit-on  bien  nombrer  ses  insignes  victoires  ? 
Non,  d'un  si  grand  discours  le  dessein  est  trop  haut. 
On  doit  louer  sans  fin  ce  qu'on  ne  peut  escrire, 
II  faut  humble  se  taire  ou  parler  comme  il  faut, 
Et  celui  ne  dit  rien  qui  ne  peut  assez  dire. 


Jadis  pour  ses  beaux  faits  nous  eslevions  nos  testes, 
L'ombre  de  ses  lauriers  nous  gardoit  des  tempestes, 
La  fin  de  ses  combats  finissoit  nostre  effroi. 
Nous  nous  prisions  tons  seuls,  nous  mesprisions  les  autres, 
Estant  plus  glorieux  d'estre  subjects  du  roi 
Que  si  les  autres  rois  eussent  este  les  nostres. 

Maintenant  nostre  gloire  est  a  jamais  ternie, 
Maintenant  nostre  joye  est  pour  jamais  finie ; 
Les  lys  sont  atterez  et  nous  avecques  eux. 
Dafne  baisse,  chetifve,  en  terre  son  visage, 
Et  semble  par  ce  geste,  humble  autant  que  piteux, 
Ou  couronner  sa  tombe  ou  bien  lui  faire  hommage.] 


'  Fairfax  omits  a  stanza  here. 


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